Kebbi State Achieves 107.81% IGR Growth and N15bn Fiscal Surplus in 2025

Kebbi State has achieved a significant milestone in its financial management, recording a 107.81% growth in internally generated revenue (IGR) to ₦23.62 billion in 2025. This represents a substantial increase from the previous year. The state's total revenue also rose by 59.54%. These achievements were announced by Dr. Abba Sani Kalgo, the Commissioner for Budget and Planning, at a press briefing.

The state's fiscal surplus for 2025 stood at ₦15.13 billion, the highest in the North-West region. This surplus is a result of prudent management of public resources and fiscal discipline under the administration of Governor Nasir Idris. The capital expenditure increased by 60.08%, accounting for 63.45% of total expenditure. This significant allocation to capital expenditure reflects the state's commitment to sustainable development.

Kebbi State has emerged as the best-managed state in Northern Nigeria and ranked fifth among the 36 states in the 2026 State Budget Report. This ranking is an independent validation of the administration's commitment to transparency, accountability, and sound economic management. The report assessed public financial management in Nigeria, ranking Kebbi first among the 19 states in Northern Nigeria and fifth nationally.

The ranking was based on the state's performance in revenue generation, fiscal viability, debt sustainability, and prioritization of critical sectors such as agriculture, health, education, water, and sanitation. Kebbi State's debt service obligations stood at just 2.40% of its total revenue, making it the fourth least-indebted state in the federation. This achievement is attributed to deliberate fiscal reforms and improved revenue collection.

Dr. Kalgo attributed the state's performance to the strategic leadership of Governor Idris and improved budget transparency. He challenged the opposition party, African Democratic Congress (ADC), to study the report and objectively assess the administration's performance. The commissioner emphasized the importance of constructive criticism based on verifiable facts in democratic governance.

The state government plans to build on its achievements through improved revenue generation and completion of ongoing projects across the 21 local government areas. The administration is committed to ensuring that prudent financial management translates into improved infrastructure and sustained agricultural support to improve residents' living conditions.

The independent findings of the budget report have provided a strong response to allegations of financial mismanagement levelled against the state government. The state government will continue to deploy public resources effectively to benefit residents, focusing on critical sectors that will enhance the quality of life for Kebbi State citizens.

Key points

• Kebbi State achieved a 107.81% growth in IGR to ₦23.62 billion in 2025.
• The state recorded a fiscal surplus of ₦15.13 billion, the highest in the North-West region.
• Kebbi State ranked fifth among the 36 states in the 2026 State Budget Report, emerging as the best-managed state in Northern Nigeria.