Zamfara among top 10 best performing states in fiscal viability – BudgIT
AI Executive Briefing
Gemini Flash AI~45s readZamfara State has secured a position in the top 10 of BudgIT’s Fiscal Viability Index for 2026, marking a significant improvement 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 BudgIT report evaluates states based on their ability to survive without federal allocations, focusing on revenue performance, fiscal viability, debt sustainability, and critical sector spending.
- ✦The assessment methodology was revised for the 2026 edition to place greater emphasis on the developmental impact of public spending in sectors like agriculture, health, and education.
Key Figures & Named Entities
Governor Dauda Lawal:Recognized for transformational feats in Zamfara State over the last three years.Zamfara State:Scored 74.97% in fiscal viability and maintains a debt per capita of N19,464.
Outlook & Next Steps
The state government is expected to continue its fiscal trajectory as the report serves as a benchmark for accountability and institutional reform in public resource management.
Key Takeaways
AI Summary- Zamfara State has been ranked among the top 10 states in Nigeria for fiscal viability in BudgIT's 'State of States 2026' report.
- The state achieved a fiscal viability score of 74.97%, placing it 10th nationally and making it one of only three northern states in the top 10.
- Zamfara is currently the second-least-indebted state in Nigeria, maintaining a debt per capita of N19,464.
Key Facts:2023: Zamfara State ranked 36th in fiscal performance in 2023 when Governor Dauda Lawal assumed office.2025: The state improved its fiscal performance ranking to 17th in the 2025 report.Monday: The 'State of States 2026' report, which placed Zamfara in 10th position, was released on Monday.
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 States 2026: States ‘ Performance on Pillar B/ Fiscal Viability,” was released on Monday.
Frequently Asked Questions About This Story
What does the 'Fiscal Viability' index measure?
It measures a state's capacity to fund its public salaries, overheads, and debt obligations from its own revenue without relying on federal handouts.
Which states ranked higher than Zamfara in the 2026 Fiscal Viability Index?
Enugu ranked 1st with 98.38%, Bayelsa ranked 2nd with 88.83%, Gombe ranked 7th with 78.07%, and Niger ranked 9th with 76.03%.
