Fresh index ranks Rivers, Abia, Imo worst despite huge oil revenues
Oil-producing states have come under fresh scrutiny after a new governance report ranked them among Nigeria’s worst performers in transparency and accountability, raising concerns over how public funds are managed in some of the country’s most resource-rich regions.
The 2025 Subnational Audit Efficacy Index released by the Paradigm Leadership Support Initiative paints a troubling picture, placing Rivers State and Abia State at the very bottom of the ranking with a score of just nine per cent each, while Imo State fared only slightly better, ranking 32nd with 18 per cent, reports Premium Times.
The report evaluates how effectively states manage public audit systems, including the independence of audit institutions, the timeliness and accessibility of audit reports, and the strength of legislative oversight. In the case of the worst-performing states, the findings point to deep-seated institutional weaknesses, including failure to publish audit reports, weak enforcement of accountability mechanisms, and limited transparency in the use of public funds.
Analysts say the poor showing is particularly alarming given the substantial revenues accruing to oil-producing states, suggesting that increased earnings have not translated into stronger governance frameworks or improved public trust.
In stark contrast, Ekiti State retained its position as the most transparent state in the country, scoring 72 per cent. The state was commended for consistently publishing key financial documents, strengthening the autonomy of its audit institutions, and fostering active legislative and citizen engagement in budget oversight.
The broader national outlook remains grim. According to the report, 30 of Nigeria’s 36 states scored below average, with a national average of just 34.5 per cent. This indicates that many subnational governments still struggle with basic accountability practices, including open financial reporting and effective audit follow-through.
The findings have renewed calls for urgent reforms to strengthen audit systems, improve transparency, and ensure that public resources—particularly in high-revenue states—are managed in a manner that delivers tangible benefits to citizens.
Observers warn that without decisive action, weak accountability structures could continue to undermine development efforts, deepen public distrust, and widen the gap between government spending and real impact on the lives of Nigerians.
