Fiscal Transparency: Gombe Climbs To 2nd in National Accountability Ranking

Gombe State has recorded another major milestone in public sector governance, emerging second nationwide in the 2025 Subnational Audit Efficacy (SAE) Index released by the Paradigm Leadership Support Initiative (PLSI).

Established in 2016, the Paradigm Leadership Support Initiative is a non-profit organization committed to strengthening accountability and good governance by promoting citizens’ involvement in public audit processes nationwide.

The latest ranking by PLSI places Gombe among Nigeria’s top-performing states in public finance oversight, with an impressive score of 68 per cent, representing a remarkable rise from its 16th position in the last assessment.

According to the report, Gombe State demonstrated notable progress in strengthening the independence of its audit system.

It noted that “the legal provisions are being implemented and the Office of the Auditor-General now receives its funding directly from the Consolidated Revenue Fund,” adding that the audit institution operates with financial autonomy and does not rely on the executive it audits.

The report also noted improvements in both state and local government audit systems, which contributed 55% and 13% respectively to the overall score.

A review of the state’s performance trajectory further reveals a steady and consistent upward rise since 2019, in line with the broader governance reforms introduced by Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, aimed at promoting transparency, efficient resource utilization and results-driven public service.

Reacting to the development, the Gombe State Government, in a statement, reiterated its commitment to consolidating these gains through stronger institutions, deeper transparency reforms and responsible fiscal management, ensuring that public resources continue to translate into meaningful and measurable development outcomes for citizens.

“Over the years, Gombe State has continued to earn several accolades and recognitions in good governance, transparency, accountability, public sector reforms and other strategic areas, reflecting its sustained sustained commitment to institutional excellence and growing reputation as a leading model of effective leadership and responsible governance in Nigeria.”

“This ranking surely strengthens our standing as one of Nigeria’s leading subnationals in good governance, public accountability and fiscal responsibility”.