Ekiti State has once again made its mark as one of the few states in Nigeria that attracted foreign direct investment in the first quarter of 2025, according to newly released figures from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
Despite being one of the smallest and landlocked states in the country, Ekiti made it into the exclusive list of states that attracted foreign direct investment in the first quarter of 2025, according to new data from the National Bureau of Statistics. Only four other states namely Lagos, the Federal Capital Territory, Ogun and Akwa Ibom achieved the same feat during the period.
This latest feat follows a similar pattern from the previous year when Ekiti recorded $12,750 in Q1 2024, though the numbers dipped slightly in Q2 2024. The state appears to be regaining momentum under the leadership of Governor Biodun Oyebanji.
Observers say this consistent appearance on the national investment chart is a reflection of the state government's ongoing efforts to open up Ekiti for business through major infrastructure projects, urban renewal programmes, and aggressive promotion of its investment potential.
Projects such as the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport, the Ekiti Ring Road, the new Ajilosun-Okeyinmi Flyover, and the transformation of Atikankan from a slum into a business hub have positioned the state as an emerging destination for investment in agriculture, logistics, and real estate.
The Oyebanji-led administration has also pushed for improved security architecture and transparency in governance, two factors that investors consider before committing funds to any location. In fact, Ekiti was recently ranked the safest state in Nigeria by the SBM Intelligence report, a recognition that further strengthens its appeal to both local and foreign investors.
In addition, the state's partnership with organisations like the African Development Bank on the Ekiti Knowledge Zone and Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone is beginning to yield results, with several foreign firms reportedly indicating interest in setting up operations within the state.
Governor Oyebanji has repeatedly said that his government is not driven by the desire to copy bigger states like Lagos or Abuja, but to build a model state that works for its people and is attractive enough for investors looking for a safe and stable environment.
“We are building a functional state that leverages our strengths. We are not Lagos, we are not Abuja, but we know what we have and we are putting it to use,” the governor said during a recent media chat.
As other states continue to battle with low investor confidence, Ekiti seems determined to stay on the radar, and going by recent trends, the state is not slowing down.
