Kebbi Ranked Best Managed State In North, 5th In Nigeria – BudgIT Report
By Khadijat Saidu
Birnin Kebbi
Kebbi State has been ranked the best managed state in Northern Nigeria and fifth best in the country in the 2026 State of States Report released by BudgIT.
BudgIT is an independent organisation that tracks government revenue and spending in Nigeria. It does not work for any state government.
The report, released on November 3, 2026, assessed all states based on their 2025 audited financial statements and budget performance.
Announcing the findings at a press conference in Birnin Kebbi, Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr Abba Sani Kalgo, said Kebbi came first among the 19 northern states despite not having the largest population or federal allocation.
“In the broader national picture, Kebbi is ranked fifth in the federation,” Kalgo said.
According to the report, Kebbi recorded the fastest revenue growth in the Northwest, with total revenue rising by 59.54 per cent in 2025.
Internally generated revenue rose by 107.81 per cent to N23.62 billion, while the state recorded a fiscal surplus of N15.13 billion, the largest in the region.
Capital expenditure also rose by 60.08 per cent and now represents 63.45 per cent of total spending, meaning more than 63 kobo of every naira spent went into roads, schools, hospitals, water and agriculture.
Debt service stood at only 2.40 per cent of total revenue, making Kebbi the fourth least indebted state in Nigeria.
Kalgo attributed the performance to reforms under Governor Nasir Idris, including automation of tax collection, widening the tax base, and publishing budgets and implementation reports.
He said the ranking has rendered untenable the allegations of mismanagement sustained by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the state.
“A state that mismanages its resources does not record the largest fiscal surplus in its region. A state that borrows recklessly does not emerge as the fourth least indebted in the federation,” he said.
He invited the ADC leadership to study the BudgIT report and acknowledge the figures.
Kalgo said the administration will not rest on the ranking, adding that the focus remains to complete projects across the 21 local government areas and ensure spending translates into services for the people.
“Kebbi State is first in the North. That is now a matter of public record,” he said.
