Benue Emerges Among Nigeria's Most Transparent States With 100% Fiscal Transparency Score
The latest fiscal transparency ranking places Benue alongside Adamawa, Anambra, Ebonyi, Ekiti, Jigawa, Kaduna, Ogun and Ondo as the only nine states to achieve full marks across all assessment indicators.
According to the report, the league table evaluated states based on the publication of proposed and approved budgets, quarterly budget implementation reports, the availability of functional e-procurement portals, and public access to fiscal information through official government platforms.
Benue recorded the maximum score in each of the five assessment categories, indicating full compliance with the fiscal transparency benchmarks adopted by BudgIT.
The achievement represents a remarkable turnaround for the state. In the first quarter of 2023, before the inauguration of Governor Hyacinth Alia's administration, Benue ranked last among Nigeria's 36 states with a score of 28 percent, having failed to meet several key transparency indicators. Three years later, the state has climbed from the bottom of the ranking to a perfect score, reflecting significant progress in fiscal openness and public financial management.
The report comes amid the Benue State Government's ongoing efforts to strengthen public financial management, promote accountability and improve citizens' access to government fiscal information.
Analysts say the state's performance further enhances its reputation for transparency and good governance while boosting confidence among citizens, development partners and potential investors seeking credible governance indicators.
BudgIT classified states scoring between 71 and 100 percent as "Progressive" (Green), those with scores between 41 and 70 percent as "Average" (Yellow), and states scoring between 0 and 40 percent as "Poor" (Red).
While nine states attained the maximum score, several others recorded lower levels of compliance, with Rivers State ranking last after scoring zero across all assessed indicators.
Benue's latest achievement adds to a growing list of national recognitions for improvements in governance and fiscal accountability under Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia's administration.
The state's rise from the bottom of the national fiscal transparency ranking in 2023 to a perfect score in 2026 underscores the impact of reforms aimed at promoting accountability, openness and prudent public financial management.
