Zamfara among top 10 best performing states in fiscal...
AI Executive Briefing
Gemini Flash AI~45s readZamfara State has been ranked among the top 10 states in the 2026 BudgIT Fiscal Viability Index, reflecting significant improvements in its financial management. The report highlights the state's ability to manage expenditure obligations and its status as the second-least-indebted state in Nigeria.
Context & Background
- ✦The Fiscal Viability Index evaluates whether states can survive without federal allocations by assessing revenue performance, debt sustainability, and expenditure management.
- ✦The 2026 report introduced a revised methodology focusing on the developmental impact of spending in sectors like agriculture, health, education, and WASH.
Key Figures & Named Entities
Governor Dauda Lawal:Recognized by Emir Muhammadu Sanusi for transformational feats in Zamfara over the last three years.BudgIT:The civic organization responsible for the 'State of States 2026' report.74.97%:The fiscal viability score achieved by Zamfara State.
Outlook & Next Steps
The state government is expected to continue its fiscal management strategies as the report provides ongoing insights into how public resources are utilized to support development.
Key Takeaways
AI Summary- Zamfara State secured a position in the top 10 of the BudgIT Fiscal Viability Index, scoring 74.97%.
- The state is recognized as the second-least-indebted state in Nigeria, with a debt per capita of ₦19,464.
- Zamfara's fiscal performance has shown consistent improvement, rising from the 36th position in 2023 to 10th in the 2026 report.
Key Facts:2023: Zamfara State ranked 36th in fiscal performance in 2023 when Governor Dauda Lawal assumed office.2025: The BudgIT report assessed the fiscal performance of 35 Nigerian states based on data from 2025.₦19,464: Zamfara State recorded a debt per capita of ₦19,464, making it the second-least-indebted state in the federation.
Editorial Excerpt
Zamfara State was ranked among the top 10 states in the Fiscal Viability Index, a new report released by BudgIT has revealed. The new report titled, “State of...
Frequently Asked Questions About This Story
What does the BudgIT Fiscal Viability Index measure?
It measures a state's capacity to fund public salaries, overheads, and debt obligations from its own revenue without relying on federal handouts.
Which northern states made it into the top 10 of the Fiscal Viability Index?
The three northern states that made the top 10 are Gombe (7th), Niger (9th), and Zamfara (10th).
