By Ibrahim A. Jombali
Good governance is not measured by the volume of promises made, but by how responsibly public resources are managed and how much value they deliver to the people.
By this standard, Kebbi State has earned a remarkable place in Nigeria’s governance landscape.
This achievement did not happen overnight. It reflects a deliberate effort to move Kebbi from routine administration to responsible, results-driven governance.
The numbers speak for themselves. The state recorded a 59.54 per cent increase in total revenue to ₦228 billion, while Internally Generated Revenue grew by an impressive 107.81 per cent to ₦23.62 billion. Even more significant, Kebbi recorded a fiscal surplus of ₦15.13 billion, the highest in the North-West.
Beyond revenue generation, the administration demonstrated that public money must work for the people. Capital expenditure increased by 60.08 per cent, representing 63.45 per cent of total expenditure. In practical terms, more resources were directed towards infrastructure and development rather than excessive administrative spending.
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The state’s debt position equally tells a story of restraint and responsibility. With debt servicing accounting for only 2.40 per cent of total revenue, Kebbi stands among the least-indebted states in Nigeria.
These figures are not merely impressive statistics. They represent a government making conscious choices about how public resources are raised, prioritised and spent. Behind them are reforms in revenue collection, tax administration, budgeting, financial reporting and transparency.
For a state with enormous developmental needs, this recognition carries particular significance. It sends a message that Kebbi is capable of managing its resources responsibly, building stronger institutions and creating a more sustainable foundation for development.
Of course, a good ranking is not an end in itself. Its real value will ultimately be measured by improved livelihoods, better infrastructure, quality education, accessible healthcare and greater economic opportunities for ordinary citizens. That is the responsibility that comes with recognition.
Kebbi’s fifth-place national ranking and first position in the North are not accidental honours. They are the product of choices, policies and a governing philosophy that places responsibility above extravagance and public interest above personal convenience.
Ibrahim Abubakar Jombali
Special Adviser on Public Enlightenment and Orientation to the Executive Governor of Kebbi State
