Kebbi State has emerged as the best-managed state in Northern Nigeria and ranked fifth among the 36 states of the federation in the 2026 BudgIT State of States Report.
The Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. Abba Sani Kalgo, announced this development at a press conference held on Saturday in Birnin Kebbi, where he presented the findings of the report assessing the fiscal performance of states in the 2025 financial year.
He described feat as a remarkable achievement that underscores the prudent management of public resources, fiscal discipline and commitment to sustainable development under the administration of Governor Comrade Dr. Nasir Idris, Kauran Gwandu.
The Commissioner described the ranking as a significant milestone and an independent validation of the administration’s commitment to transparency, accountability and sound economic management.
Dr. Abba explained that 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. He noted that the recognition was based on the state’s performance in revenue generation, fiscal viability, debt sustainability and prioritisation of critical sectors, including agriculture, health, education, water and sanitation.
According to the Commissioner, Kebbi State recorded a 59.54 per cent growth in total revenue in 2025, while its internally generated revenue increased by 107.81 per cent to ₦23.62 billion. He further disclosed that the state recorded a fiscal surplus of ₦15.13 billion, the highest in the Northwest, while capital expenditure increased by 60.08 per cent, accounting for 63.45 per cent of total expenditure.
He also revealed that 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. Dr. Abba attributed the impressive performance to deliberate fiscal reforms, strengthened revenue collection mechanisms, improved budget transparency, prudent expenditure management and the strategic leadership of Governor Nasir Idris.
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). He challenged the opposition party to study the report and objectively assess the administration’s performance, stressing that constructive criticism anchored on verifiable facts remains essential to democratic governance.
Dr. Abba further emphasised that the state government would not rest on its achievements but would continue to consolidate the gains through improved revenue generation, completion of ongoing projects across the 21 local government areas and the effective deployment of public resources to deliver tangible benefits to citizens.
He 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, thereby improving the living conditions of the people.
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.
The development further reinforces Kebbi State’s growing reputation for fiscal responsibility, accountability and purposeful governance, demonstrating how disciplined financial management and strategic leadership under Governor Comrade Dr. Nasir Idris are contributing to the state’s sustainable development.
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