Anambra State has emerged as Nigeria’s best-performing state in fiscal management, according to BudgIT’s 2025 State of States report, displacing Lagos to claim the top spot and cementing its status as a model of prudent governance.

Rising from second position in 2024, Anambra outperformed Lagos, which ranked second, as well as Kwara (third), Abia (fourth), and Edo (fifth).

The report, now in its 10th year, assesses states on fiscal health and sustainability, evaluating parameters such as Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), debt management, and capital expenditure priorities.

According to a statement by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, the ranking is a validation of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo’s strategic economic reforms and disciplined financial management, which have placed the state on a sustainable growth path.

Aburime noted that BudgIT’s evaluation focuses on five key indices: a state’s ability to fund its operations using IGR (Index A), IGR growth rate (Index A1), the ability to meet obligations without borrowing (Index B), debt sustainability (Index C), and prioritisation of capital expenditure over recurrent spending (Index D).

He said Anambra’s exceptional performance across these metrics reflects deliberate reforms driven by transparency, innovation, and efficiency under Governor Soludo’s administration.

“Governor Soludo has streamlined revenue systems, reduced waste, and created an environment attractive to investors,” Aburime stated.

“His administration has turned fiscal prudence into a growth engine that is transforming Anambra’s economy.”

He contrasted Anambra’s performance with other states that suffered declines in fiscal ranking, noting that Anambra has maintained top-tier ratings in transparency and accountability for several years.

Aburime described Governor Soludo, a former Central Bank Governor and economic adviser, as a data-driven leader who translates fiscal principles into tangible progress across sectors, including infrastructure, education, and healthcare.

“Fiscal sustainability is not an abstract concept,” he said.

“It determines how many roads get built, how many schools are equipped, and how many jobs are created. Anambra’s fiscal discipline is directly improving the lives of its citizens.”

He added that the administration’s long-term focus on infrastructure and human capital development demonstrates a vision that prioritises sustainability over short-term populism.

As Anambra leads the 2025 fiscal performance ranking, Aburime said the achievement is not an endpoint but a motivation to aim higher. He said the ranking serves as proof of disciplined governance.

“Governor Soludo’s leadership shows that with fiscal wisdom and disciplined governance, Nigerian states can not only survive but thrive,” he said. “Anambra’s success is proof that progress is possible through innovation and responsible management.”