2025 Editors’ Rating Has Validated Good Governance In Ekiti – Commissioner

Ekiti State government has welcomed the recognition of the state as one of Nigeria’s Top 10 performing states in the 2025 Governance Accountability and Transparency Index (GATI) released by the Guild of Online Media Editors and Publishers (GOMEP) Nigeria.

The report, unveiled in Abuja, assessed the performance of the 36 states of the federation across key governance indicators, including public access to information, budget transparency, audit and oversight, anti-corruption efforts, procurement transparency, government responsiveness and media freedom.

According to the report, Ekiti State improved its performance score, rising from 86.3 points in the 2024 edition to 89.6 points in 2025, thereby consolidating its position among states demonstrating a strong commitment to transparency and accountable governance.

Reacting to the development, the Ekiti State Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun said the ranking further validates the administration’s deliberate commitment to open governance, institutional accountability and citizen participation.

Olatunbosun stressed that “Ekiti State’s recognition in the 2025 GATI Report is another strong validation of the transparency and accountability reforms being implemented by this administration. It clearly shows that our commitment to open and responsible governance is being acknowledged by credible independent organisations.”

He also noted that the latest ranking aligns with earlier independent assessments by civic organisations that monitor governance standards across the country.

“The BudgIT Foundation had also ranked Ekiti State first in Nigeria for fiscal transparency across all four quarters of 2025. This reflects the state’s consistent top-tier performance in open governance, timely auditing and public disclosure of financial records, further cementing its status as a leader in fiscal responsibility,” he said.

The Commissioner added that the recognition reinforces Ekiti State’s growing reputation for prudent public financial management and transparent governance.

“This recognition did not come by accident. Over time, respected civic organisations, including BudgIT and other governance monitors, have consistently ranked Ekiti among states making significant progress in fiscal transparency and accountability. The latest GATI report further reinforces that trajectory.”

Olatunbosun explained that the state government has continued to strengthen reforms aimed at improving access to public information, deepening participatory governance, enhancing procurement transparency and ensuring responsible management of public resources.

“Our administration believes that transparency is the foundation of good governance. When citizens can see how decisions are made and how public resources are utilised, trust in government grows, and development becomes more inclusive.”