Yobe Emerges Among Nigeria’s Most Transparent States

Paradigm Leadership Support Initiatives, Subnational Audit Efficiency (SAE) Index has positioned Yobe State as one of Nigeria’s leading performers in transparency and accountability in the use of public funds.

In a statement by the focal person on Digital and Strategic Communications, Yusuf Ali, it said the 2025 report presented in Abuja, ranked Yobe joint second nationwide with a score of 68% placing it among the top-performing states in public financial management and audit compliance.

According to the statement, Yobe shares the second position with Gombe State, trailing only Ekiti State, which topped the ranking with 72%. Other states in the top category are Adamawa, Delta and Osun states.

The report highlights that only six of the 36 states score above average, underscoring the significance of Yobe’s performance at a time when many states continue to struggle with transparency challenges.

The statement reflects ongoing efforts of Governor Mai Mala Buni to strengthen accountability systems, improve audit processes and ensure responsible management of public resources.

” Despite a general low national average, the report noted modest improvement across the country, emphasising that Yobe and other states are leading the way in demonstrating that progress in transparency and accountability is achievable with strong political will and institutional commitment” the statement added.

The SAE index, widely regarded as a key benchmark for assessing governance standards, evaluates states based on audit independence, transparency practices and the effectiveness of oversight institutions such as Public Account Committees.

Analysts said Yobe’s ranking is not only a validation of reforms in the state’s public finance management but also a signal of growing confidence in governance structures aimed at delivering better services to citizens.

The report calls on other states to emulate leading performers like Yobe by prioritising audit independence, timely publication of financial reports and stronger oversight mechanisms to enhance public trust and drive sustainable development.