Kebbi State Emerges as Best-Managed State in Northern Nigeria

Kebbi State has been ranked as the best-managed state in Northern Nigeria and fifth among the 36 states of the federation in the 2026 BudgIT State of States Report. This achievement was announced by the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. Abba Sani Kalgo, at a press conference in Birnin Kebbi. The report assesses the fiscal performance of states in the 2025 financial year. Dr. Kalgo attributed the feat to the prudent management of public resources and fiscal discipline under Governor Comrade Dr. Nasir Idris.

The BudgIT report, an independent assessment of public finance management in Nigeria, placed Kebbi State first among the 19 states in Northern Nigeria and fifth nationally. The ranking is based on the state’s performance in revenue generation, fiscal viability, debt sustainability, and prioritisation of critical sectors. These sectors include agriculture, health, education, water, and sanitation. According to Dr. Kalgo, Kebbi State recorded a 59.54 per cent growth in total revenue in 2025.

The state’s internally generated revenue increased by 107.81 per cent to ₦23.62 billion in 2025. Kebbi State also recorded a fiscal surplus of ₦15.13 billion, the highest in the Northwest. Additionally, capital expenditure increased by 60.08 per cent, accounting for 63.45 per cent of total expenditure. The state’s debt service obligations stood at just 2.40 per cent of its total revenue, making it the fourth least-indebted state in the federation.

Dr. Abba Sani Kalgo attributed the impressive performance to deliberate fiscal reforms and strengthened revenue collection mechanisms. Improved budget transparency, prudent expenditure management, and the strategic leadership of Governor Nasir Idris also contributed to the achievement. The Commissioner maintained that the independent findings of BudgIT had provided a strong response to allegations of financial mismanagement levelled against the state government by the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The Commissioner challenged the opposition party to study the report and objectively assess the administration’s performance. He stressed that constructive criticism anchored on verifiable facts remains essential to democratic governance. Dr. Kalgo further emphasised that the state government would not rest on its achievements but would continue to consolidate the gains through improved revenue generation and completion of ongoing projects.

The state government aims to effectively deploy public resources to deliver tangible benefits to citizens. Dr. Kalgo reaffirmed the administration’s determination to ensure that prudent financial management translates into improved infrastructure, including roads, schools, hospitals, water facilities, and sustained agricultural support. This, he said, would improve the living conditions of the people.

The development reinforces Kebbi State’s growing reputation for fiscal responsibility, accountability, and purposeful governance. Disciplined financial management and strategic leadership under Governor Comrade Dr. Nasir Idris are contributing to the state’s sustainable development. The press conference was attended by the Honourable Commissioner for Information and Culture, Alhaji Yakubu Ahmed-BK, alongside media aides to the Kebbi State Governor.

Key points

• Kebbi State recorded a 59.54 per cent growth in total revenue in 2025 and a 107.81 per cent increase in internally generated revenue to ₦23.62 billion.
• The state ranked first among the 19 states in Northern Nigeria and fifth nationally in the 2026 BudgIT State of States Report.
• Kebbi State’s debt service obligations stood at just 2.40 per cent of its total revenue, making it the fourth least-indebted state in the federation.