States that have embraced digitalization and automation are leading Nigeria’s subnational ease of doing business rankings, according to the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC). The 2025 Subnational Ease of Doing Business Report highlights that streamlined, technology-driven processes are crucial for states looking to improve their business environment and attract investment.

Princess Zahrah Mustapha Audu, the Director-General of PEBEC, explained that the report assesses the implementation of business reforms at the state level. She noted that states excelling in the rankings have significantly simplified procedures for businesses, largely by reducing human interference and bureaucratic hurdles through digital tools and automated systems.

“The majority of the states that have excelled is simply because they have started to digitalize and automate their systems and basically streamline processes, making it a lot easier to do business in those states,” Audu stated in an interview with ARISE News. This focus on technological integration directly translates into faster service delivery and a more efficient business climate.

The report’s methodology extends beyond simple rankings, delving into structural factors that influence business performance. These include access to essential services, the efficiency of land registration, tax administration processes, investor support after initial investment, and the overall transparency of regulatory frameworks.

PEBEC intentionally employed multiple indicators to capture the multifaceted nature of Nigeria’s business landscape. This approach aims to illuminate the distinct challenges and opportunities present in each state, providing a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing business operations across the country.

Audu described the 2025 report as a foundational document designed to enable governments at all levels to track progress and pinpoint areas requiring immediate attention. The ultimate objective, she emphasized, is not merely to rank states but to foster sustained improvements in their business environments.

While security was not a direct metric in the report, Audu acknowledged its indirect influence on states’ ability to prioritize and implement business reforms. States facing significant security challenges naturally divert resources and attention, potentially impacting the pace of policy implementation and institutional efficiency compared to more stable regions.

Looking ahead, PEBEC plans to implement key recommendations from the report starting in 2026. The council is committed to ensuring that future rankings reflect tangible advancements in service delivery and overall business conditions, underscoring their role in providing ongoing technical assistance and fostering collaboration with state governments.

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Keywords: ease of doing business Nigeria, PEBEC report, digitalization business, subnational ranking Nigeria, Lagos business environment, Kaduna business reforms, business process automation, investment climate Nigeria