Anambra State, led by Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, has emerged as the top-performing state in Nigeria’s 2025 State of States Fiscal Performance ranking released by BudgIT.
Gatekeepers News reports that according to the report, Anambra ranked first ahead of Lagos, Kwara, Abia, and Edo, which make up the top five states noted for advancing fiscal transparency, accountability, and prudent financial management.
The report also highlighted major improvements from other states, with Akwa Ibom climbing from 27th to 10th position and Zamfara moving up nine places from 26th to 17th. The five states with the lowest rankings are Plateau, Kogi, Jigawa, Benue, and Yobe.
BudgIT attributed Anambra’s leading performance to Governor Soludo’s reforms in financial management, improved internally generated revenue, and disciplined expenditure patterns.
Observers say the ranking reflects Soludo’s “transformational leadership and innovative approach to governance,” citing his administration’s extensive infrastructure development — including the construction of roads, flyovers, drainage systems, and the regeneration of slums like Okpoko into urban communities.
Under his leadership, Anambra has also recorded notable progress in key sectors. In education, the government introduced free education, established smart schools, employed 8,115 teachers, and upgraded tertiary institutions. In health, the state built five new general hospitals, renovated several others, and introduced telemedicine and free healthcare for pregnant women.
The Soludo administration has also strengthened security through the Anambra Homeland Security Law, which established the Agunechemba security network and Operation Udo Ga-Achi units — both credited with reducing crime rates. Additionally, thousands of youths have been trained and empowered in digital skills as part of the state’s human capital development drive.
These achievements have earned Governor Soludo several national recognitions, including the Vanguard Newspaper Governor of the Year (Good Governance) award (April 11, 2025), the Sun Newspaper Governor of the Year 2024 award for laudable achievements, and the Independent Newspaper Governor of the Year 2024 award for urban renewal initiatives.
He was also ranked as the best-performing governor in primary healthcare delivery in Nigeria in 2024, taking the top spot both in the Southeast region and nationwide.
Analysts say the BudgIT recognition is yet another testament to Anambra’s growing reputation as a model for fiscal responsibility and effective governance in Nigeria.
