Edo State has achieved a major governance milestone, emerging among the top five best-performing states in Nigeria’s 2025 State of States Fiscal Performance Ranking — a first in its history.
The independent report, which assesses how effectively states manage their finances, ranked Edo fifth nationwide, alongside Anambra, Lagos, Kwara, and Abia. This marks a significant leap for the state, which had consistently maintained top-ten positions in previous years.
Analysts attribute the feat to Governor Monday Okpebholo’s sweeping reforms centred on fiscal discipline, infrastructure renewal, and economic diversification since he assumed office in November 2024.
Reacting to the development, Governor Okpebholo described the ranking as a validation of his administration’s prudent financial management and people-focused policies.
“This achievement belongs to the people of Edo State,” the Governor said. “From day one, our priority has been to restore public confidence in governance by ensuring that every naira works for the people. This ranking confirms that Edo is on the right path toward sustainable growth and financial stability.”
Under Okpebholo’s leadership, Edo has strengthened its internally generated revenue, prioritized capital investments in infrastructure and job creation, and enhanced fiscal transparency through digital reforms. The administration has also fostered stronger collaborations with development partners and private investors, tackling insecurity and infrastructure gaps to improve the state’s business climate.
Economic analysts say these measures have significantly boosted Edo’s fiscal health.
Policy expert Osato Edegbe, commenting on the ranking, said:
“Edo’s fiscal turnaround in such a short time is remarkable. It shows that with political will and sound management, states can achieve real progress in financial sustainability.”
The 2025 Fiscal Performance Ranking, regarded as the country’s benchmark for subnational fiscal governance, placed Anambra first, followed by Lagos, Kwara, Abia, and Edo. States such as Imo, Kogi, Jigawa, Benue, and Yobe followed, while Cross River recorded the steepest drop, sliding from fifth place in 2024 to 30th in 2025.
Governor Okpebholo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to deepen ongoing reforms.
“Our focus remains clear: to build an Edo that is fiscally responsible, economically vibrant, and people-oriented,” he stated. “We will continue to strengthen transparency, drive innovation, and ensure that every Edo citizen benefits from good governance.”
With this recognition, Edo State now joins the ranks of Nigeria’s most financially stable and efficiently governed states — a testament to the impact of reform-driven leadership.
