Top 10 Performing Governors in Nigeria for 2025

A data-driven review of the Top 10 Performing Governors in Nigeria for 2025. This submission uses BudgIT’s State of States (2025) fiscal ranking, National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) IGR figures and reputable news reports to explain why these governors made the list, the ranking parameters used, and the measurable wins behind each governor’s performance.

Governance in Nigeria is evolving, and 2025 has become a defining year for measuring how well State leaders are performing beyond political promises. As citizens demand more transparency, accountability and development, it’s only fair to ask: Who are the top performing governors in Nigeria for 2025?

This ranking is not based on sentiment or popularity but on verified national data. It draws primarily from the 2025 BudgIT “State of States” Report which evaluates how efficiently each State government manages its resources, grows internal revenue, sustains capital projects, and prioritizes the welfare of its people. Other supporting data were sourced from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Nairametrics, and reputable national news outlets such as ThisDayLive, The Nigerian Voice and The Cable.

The top 10 performing governors in Nigeria for 2025 were selected using clear fiscal and developmental indicators, including revenue generation, debt management, capital expenditure, governance transparency and impact-driven infrastructure. These governors are showing what it means to deliver results in tough economic times, and their leadership styles are setting new benchmarks for accountability and innovation.

From the disciplined fiscal reforms in Anambra and Abia, to the massive infrastructure investments in Lagos and Edo, and the digital and educational strides in Enugu and Akwa Ibom, this list highlights the governors whose actions speak louder than their campaigns.

In this article, we explore the top 10 performing governors in Nigeria for 2025, the parameters behind the ranking, and what their performance reveals about the future of good governance in Nigeria.

Why This Ranking for Top 10 Performing Governors in Nigeria for 2025 Matters

Ranking governors based on performance is more than just a popularity contest. It is a way to measure how effectively State leaders use public resources to improve the lives of citizens. In a country like Nigeria where governance outcomes vary widely from one State to another, such rankings help identify what works, encourage accountability and promote healthy competition among States.

The ranking of the top 10 performing governors in Nigeria for 2025 is based on verified national data, not personal opinions or political affiliations. The primary source is the 2025 BudgIT “State of States” Report, a credible annual publication that assesses the fiscal health and governance efficiency of Nigeria’s 36 States.

BudgIT uses measurable indicators such as Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), debt sustainability, capital expenditure and the ability of each State to meet its financial obligations without relying excessively on federal allocations.

Supporting data were also drawn from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) which provides detailed reports on State IGR performance and reputable national media such as ThisDayLive, The Nigerian Voice and The Cable which track State-level economic activities and reforms. Together, these sources present a clear, evidence-based picture of how each governor is performing in terms of financial management, infrastructure delivery and public service outcomes.

This approach ensures that the ranking for top 10 performing governors in Nigeria for 2025 remains credible, transparent and reflective of real progress, highlighting States where leadership decisions are translating into measurable development for citizens.

Short List of Top 10 Performing Governors in Nigeria for 2025 at A Glance

This section provides a quick glance at the Top 10 Performing Governors in Nigeria for 2025. Each State’s position is based on BudgIT’s State of States 2025 outputs, supported by NBS or verified national reporting where available.

1. Anambra State — Governor Charles C. Soludo.
2. Lagos State — Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
3. Kwara State — Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
4. Abia State — Governor Alex Otti.
5. Edo State — Governor Monday Okpebholo.
6. Enugu State — Governor Peter Mbah.
7. Akwa Ibom State — Governor Umo Eno.
8. Delta State — Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
9. Kaduna State — Governor Uba Sani.
10. Ogun State — Governor Dapo Abiodun.

Below, each entry is described with the verifiable facts that explain why each governor and state are listed among the Top 10 Performing Governors in Nigeria for 2025.

1. Anambra State – Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo

Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo

Under Governor Soludo’s leadership, Anambra State earned the top‑spot in the Top 10 Performing Governors in Nigeria for 2025 ranking. The State was ranked #1 in fiscal performance by BudgIT in its State of States 2025 report.

Key verified facts supporting this ranking:

• Anambra rose from second place in 2024 to first in 2025 in BudgIT’s fiscal performance ranking.
• BudgIT’s methodology used five core metrics: ability to cover operating expenditure from internally generated revenue (IGR), IGR growth year‑on‑year, capacity to meet all obligations without borrowing, debt sustainability, and prioritization of capital expenditure over recurrent spending.
• For fiscal year 2025, Anambra presented a budget of ₦606.99 billion, marking a 48 % increase over the 2024 budget of ₦410.13 billion. In that budget, capital expenditure was ₦467.5 billion (77 %) and recurrent expenditure was ₦139.5 billion (23 %).
• Reporting showed that Anambra recorded IGR growth of 71 %, rising from ₦36.20 billion in 2023 to ₦42.97 billion in 2024.

This combination of strong revenue growth, disciplined budget design (a high share of capital spending), and a leap to the top of BudgIT’s ranking underlines why Governor Soludo and Anambra State hold a key position in the Top 10 Performing Governors in Nigeria for 2025.

2. Lagos State – Governor Babajide Sanwo‐Olu

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu

Under Governor Sanwo‑Olu’s leadership, Lagos State continues to be a dominant performer, placing prominently in the discussion of the Top 10 Performing Governors in Nigeria for 2025. Lagos maintained its second‑place ranking in fiscal performance for 2025 according to the BudgIT State of States 2025 report, trailing only Anambra State.

Key verified facts behind the ranking:

• Lagos State generated ₦1.3 trillion in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) in 2024, marking approximately 45 % growth from ₦895 billion in 2023.
• The 2024 budget for Lagos was set at ₦2.246 trillion, with capital expenditure allocated at 4 % (about ₦1.22 trillion) of the total.
• The 2025 appropriation budget for Lagos stood at ₦3.366 trillion, and as of the latest report, achieved approximately 80 % execution (both revenue and capital projects).
• BudgIT’s State of States 2025 report noted Lagos had an IGR‑to‑operating‑expenses ratio of 87%, meaning Lagos generated enough IGR to cover its operating expenses without reliance on federal allocations.

These measurable performance indicators help explain why Governor Sanwo‑Olu and Lagos State are counted among the Top 10 Performing Governors in Nigeria for 2025.

3. Kwara State – Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq

Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq

Under Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s leadership, Kwara State secured a strong position among the Top 10 Performing Governors in Nigeria for 2025, thanks to measurable fiscal reforms and improved financial indicators.

Key verified facts behind the ranking:

• According to the BudgIT State of States 2025 report, Kwara State ranked 3rd nationally in fiscal performance.
• The State recorded a 36% year‑on‑year growth in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) between 2023 and 2024, as disclosed by the Kwara State Internal Revenue Service.
• Kwara’s domestic debt was reduced from about ₦109.16 billion in December 2023 to roughly ₦58.18 billion by the third quarter of 2024, signalling stronger debt sustainability.
• The proposed 2025 budget for Kwara was ₦540.368 billion, with capital expenditure accounting for 62.1% and recurrent expenditure 37.9% of the total.

These measurable achievements in revenue growth, debt management, and capital prioritization form the basis for listing Governor AbdulRazaq among the Top 10 Performing Governors in Nigeria for 2025.

4. Abia State – Governor Alex Otti

Governor Alex Otti

Under Governor Alex Otti’s leadership, Abia State secured a notable position among the Top 10 Performing Governors in Nigeria for 2025, driven by measurable fiscal and budget policies.

Here are the verified facts:

• According to the 2025 BudgIT State of States report, Abia State ranked 4th nationally for fiscal performance in 2025.
• That same report highlights that Abia State spent 05% of its total budget on capital projects, the highest share among all States.
• Governor Otti presented the 2025 budget of ₦750.28 billion, with ₦611.7 billion (82%) earmarked for capital expenditure and ₦138.6 billion (18%) for recurrent costs.
• The budget included ambitious infrastructure allocations: for example, ₦55 billion for ongoing and new road projects across all 17 local government areas and ₦13 billion for agro‑industrial processing zones in three LGAs (Ukwa, Bende and Umunneochi).
• Abia State under Otti also reported substantial reductions in inherited debt: A March 2025 report claimed a domestic debt reduction from about ₦138 billion to approximately ₦66 billion within a year — achieved without new borrowing.

These measurable fiscal reforms and investment‑prioritized budgeting justify the inclusion of Governor Alex Otti in the list of Top 10 Performing Governors in Nigeria for 2025.

5. Enugu State – Governor Peter Mbah

Governor Peter Mbah

Under Governor Peter Mbah, Enugu State has achieved clear, verified fiscal progress that positions him among the Top 10 Performing Governors in Nigeria for 2025.

Key verified facts behind this inclusion:

• The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reported that Enugu State generated ₦180.50 billion in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) in 2024, ranking it fifth nationally and the highest in the South‑East.
• According to the BudgIT State of States 2025 report, Enugu State is identified as the State “most likely to survive without FAAC allocations”e., to cover its operating costs from its own revenue. This is a major fiscal‑viability indicator.
• Governor Mbah publicly stated that by September 2024, Enugu’s IGR had risen to ₦144.7 billion, up from ₦37.4 billion at end‑2023, representing a 286.2% increase. ‘

These verifiable data points reflect measurable improvement in revenue mobilization and fiscal autonomy for Enugu State under Governor Mbah, justifying his place among the top performing governors for 2025.

6. Edo State – Governor Monday Okpebholo

Governor Monday Okpebholo

Under Governor Monday Okpebholo’s leadership, Edo State has achieved measurable fiscal improvements, positioning the governor among the Top 10 Performing Governors in Nigeria for 2025 on the strength of verifiable budgetary and revenue reforms.

Key verified facts supporting this ranking:

• Governor Okpebholo presented a 2025 budget proposal of ₦605.7 billion, with 63 % (₦381 billion) allocated to capital expenditure and 37 % (₦223 billion) to recurrent expenditure.
• The Edo State House of Assembly approved a revised supplementary budget of ₦799.82 billion for 2025, up from the initial ₦675.22 billion, reflecting a strong infrastructure focus: ~70 % capital expenditure and ~30 % recurrent.
• Edo State recorded internally generated revenue (IGR) of ₦52.6 billion in the first six months of 2025, representing significant growth (46 % increase over the same period in 2024).
• The State’s domestic debt was reduced by approximately ₦30.6 billion in one quarter, falling from ₦113 billion in Q4 2024 to ₦82.4 billion in Q1 2025, representing one of the largest quarter‑on‑quarter debt declines among Nigerian States.
• In the BudgIT Q1 2025 fiscal transparency league, Edo State secured 5th place, scoring perfectly on MTEF preparedness, budget proposals, approved budgets, and quarterly reporting.

These concrete fiscal indicators – strong budget planning, increased revenue collection, prioritized capital spending, and reduced debt burden form the basis for including Governor Monday Okpebholo in the list of Top 10 Performing Governors in Nigeria for 2025.

7. Akwa Ibom State – Governor Umo Eno

Governor Umo Eno

Under Governor Umo Eno, Akwa Ibom State recorded a dramatic rise in the annual fiscal performance ranking conducted by BudgIT, making him a noteworthy inclusion in the list of Top 10 Performing Governors in Nigeria for 2025.

Verified facts:

• BudgIT’s State of States 2025 report shows that Akwa Ibom State moved up 17 places, rising from 27th in the previous edition to 10th in 2025.
• In the 2024 edition of BudgIT’s State of States, Akwa Ibom was named Nigeria’s most credit‑worthy State, based on its debt sustainability under the Eno administration (scoring 0.227 on Index C).

These fully verified indicators i.e. a strong leap in overall ranking and positive credit worthiness for fiscal sustainability support Governor Umo Eno and Akwa Ibom’s rightful place in the Top 10 Performing Governors in Nigeria for 2025.

8. Delta State – Sheriff Oborevwori

Governor Sherrif Oborevwori

Under Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration, Delta State has recorded significant improvements in fiscal metrics, supporting his inclusion among the Top 10 Performing Governors in Nigeria for 2025.

Verified facts:

• Delta State’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) rose from ₦83 billion in 2023 to ₦158 billion in 2024, representing a growth of approximately 4 %.
• During the same period, Governor Oborevwori reported that the State’s debt stock was reduced from ₦465.3 billion at the start of his administration to ₦249.2 billion by December 2024 – a reduction of about 4%.
• According to the 2025 edition of the BudgIT State of States report, Delta is among the States that implemented over 80% of their health‑budget allocations in 2024.
• In BudgIT’s Q4 2024 fiscal‑transparency ranking, Delta State climbed to 6th place, indicating improved budget disclosure and governance reporting.

These verified outcomes in terms of strong IGR growth, significant debt reduction, high health‑budget implementation, and improved transparency form a concrete basis for listing Governor Oborevwori among the Top 10 Performing Governors in Nigeria for 2025.

9. Kaduna State – Governor Uba Sani

Governor Uba Sani

Under Governor Uba Sani’s leadership, Kaduna State has demonstrated strong performance on fiscal transparency and revenue mobilization – solid reasons to include him in the list of Top 10 Performing Governors in Nigeria for 2025.

Verified facts:

• The Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service (KADIRS) reported that Kaduna State generated ₦62.48 billion in internally generated revenue (IGR) in 2023 and ₦71 billion in 2024.
• For the first two months of 2025 (January and February), Kaduna State collected ₦14.16 billion in IGR (₦7.47 billion in January and ₦6.69 billion in February) under the administration of Governor Uba Sani.
• Kaduna State topped Nigeria’s 2025 Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity Transparency and Integrity Index (TII), scoring 49.08 % and gaining the highest score (80 %) in the “Control of Corruption” variable.
• In Q1 2025, Kaduna State ranked 1st in the BudgIT States Fiscal Transparency League Table, reflecting full scores across key indicators such as approved budget publication, quarterly budget reports, e‑procurement portal availability and a functional fiscal data repository.

These verifiable indicators, namely, significant revenue gains, early 2025 IGR strength, top transparency ranking, and leading fiscal disclosure performance form a reliable basis for positioning Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State among the Top 10 Performing Governors in Nigeria for 2025.

10. Ogun State – Governor Dapo Abiodun

Governor Dapo Abiodun

Under Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration, Ogun State has recorded measurable fiscal and budget‑performance milestones that support his inclusion among the Top 10 Performing Governors in Nigeria for 2025.

Verified facts:

• Governor Abiodun presented the 2025 Appropriation Bill of ₦1.054 trillion to the Ogun State House of Assembly, consisting of ₦600.98 billion for capital expenditure and ₦453.56 billion for recurrent expenditure.
• Papers noted that Ogun State achieved a high ranking on BudgIT’s Index A for viability, the metric that measures a State’s ability to cover operating costs primarily from its internally generated revenue rather than federal allocations. Ogun ranked third on Index A in a recent BudgIT report.
• The State’s Internal Revenue Service (OGIRS) projected to contribute ₦120.97 billion in 2025, as part of the budget funding sources disclosed by Governor Abiodun.

These verifiable indicators i.e. the large, approved budget with capital priority, high viability ranking on BudgIT’s Index A, and strong internally generated revenue projection form a solid factual foundation for listing Governor Abiodun of Ogun State among the Top 10 Performing Governors in Nigeria for 2025.

What the Data Shows and What It Does Not

The data from BudgIT, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), and State revenue agencies provides clear, measurable insights into why certain leaders are considered among the Top 10 Performing Governors in Nigeria for 2025.

What the data shows:

• States like Anambra, Lagos, and Kwara have demonstrated strong internally generated revenue growth, indicating effective fiscal management.
• Several governors have prioritized capital expenditure over recurrent spending, suggesting an emphasis on long-term development projects.
• BudgIT rankings and fiscal transparency indexes confirm which States maintain high budget disclosure, debt sustainability and fiscal accountability.

What the data does not show:

• The data does not capture qualitative aspects of governance such as citizen satisfaction, social welfare impact, or policy implementation efficiency.
• It does not account for political, security or environmental challenges that may affect a governor’s performance outside fiscal and budget metrics.
• Rankings reflect performance within specific metrics and may not represent overall development in every sector.

By understanding both the strengths and limitations of these data sources, readers gain a clearer picture of why these governors are recognized among the Top 10 Performing Governors in Nigeria for 2025.

Methodology Note

This article translated State data into a governor ranking using these:

1. Primary ranking source: BudgIT State of States (2025): this ranks States on fiscal sustainability, IGR growth, debt sustainability and capital prioritisation. The BudgIT methodology and indices are public and were used as the anchors for the ranking.
2. Mapping states to governors: Because governors are the chief executives of states, this article lists the sitting governor of each top state in 2025 alongside the State’s BudgIT performance. Governors are named with public confirmation from State or national records.
3. Supplementary metrics: Where helpful, the article also cross-checked IGR figures reported by the NBS, as carried by major national outlets and State government statements, e.g. Abia’s arrear clearance and Enugu’s reported IGR surge. These help explain why a State ranked where it did.
4. Conservative, evidence-only approach: The list does not include any speculative claims about governors’ motives or unverified results. If BudgIT or the NBS did not provide a given measure, the article does not invent numbers, instead, it notes what is publicly documented.

In Conclusion …

The 2025 fiscal performance rankings provide a transparent and data-driven look at governance across Nigeria’s States. By focusing on measurable indicators such as internally generated revenue, capital expenditure prioritization, debt management, and fiscal transparency, the Top 10 Performing Governors in Nigeria for 2025 have distinguished themselves as leaders committed to effective financial management and sustainable development.

Governors like Charles Soludo (Anambra), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Alex Otti (Abia), Peter Mbah (Enugu), Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Uba Sani (Kaduna), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (Kwara), and Monday Okpebholo (Edo) have demonstrated measurable achievements that set benchmarks for fiscal responsibility, budget discipline and revenue optimization.

While these rankings focus on financial metrics, they also highlight the broader importance of transparent governance, fiscal prudence, and accountability in driving State-level development. For citizens, policymakers and stakeholders, this ranking offers a clear perspective on which governors are effectively managing public resources and providing a foundation for sustainable growth, making them models for other States to emulate.

This analysis of verified data confirms that strategic fiscal management remains a critical factor in determining effective governance in Nigeria, reinforcing the relevance of the Top 10 Performing Governors in Nigeria for 2025 as a reliable benchmark for public administration.

References

• https://budgit.org/post_publications/state-of-states-report-2025/
• https://budgit.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Subnational-Report-1.1.pdf
• https://guardian.ng/news/anambra-tops-budgit-2025-fiscal-performance-ranking/
• https://businessday.ng/news/article/anambra-tops-2025-states-fiscal-performance-ranking-overtakes-lagos/
• https://punchng.com/anambra-lagos-others-top-2025-fiscal-performance-rankings-budgit/
• https://www.arise.tv/enugu-government-projects-over-n600bn-igr-for-2025-up-from-n144bn-in-2024/
• https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/otti-says-over-%E2%82%A640b-spent-on-salary-pension-arrears-in-two-years/
• https://budgit.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/SFTL-Q12025-1.pdf
• https://www.tvcnews.tv/budgit-ranks-ogun-high-in-igr-performance-in-index-a/
• https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/kaduna-govt-tops-2025-transparency-integrity-index/

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• https://nnewicity.com/governor-soludo-honoured-in-new-york-with-triple-awards-at-global-power-forum-2025/