Eleven states will compete for prizes at Nigeria's States Competitiveness and Investment Readiness Awards next year. The event takes place June 18, 2026, at the NAF Conference Centre in Abuja.
BusinessDay Media is organising the awards ceremony. It recognises state governments excelling in governance, infrastructure, security, and economic policy.
Kaduna State earned a nomination for security improvements. Officials there have worked to strengthen safety across the state.
Benue is competing for infrastructure development honours. Jigawa earned recognition in the agricultural competitiveness race.
Both Borno and Adamawa made the shortlist for infrastructure work. They've been rebuilding critical facilities and boosting economic activity.
Katsina State secured two nominations this year. It's being recognised for agricultural modernisation and community security efforts.
Lagos, Enugu, Bauchi, Bayelsa, and Yobe also entered the competition. All five states earned acknowledgment for governance and investment performance.
The awards have become a major benchmarking platform in Nigeria. They spotlight states driving reforms and sustainable development.
Winners will be selected through rigorous evaluation. Assessors will examine verifiable data, policy results, and infrastructure impact.
Competitiveness indicators will determine final rankings. A panel will review each state's overall performance metrics.
