BudgIT, a civic-tech organisation leading advocacy for fiscal transparency and accountability in Nigeria, has launched its 2024 State of States Report: ‘Moving Healthcare Delivery from Suboptimal to Optimal.’
The report assesses and ranks the 36 states’ fiscal performance from most to least sustainable, maintaining its five metrics for ranking the states.
Country Director, Gabriel Okeowo, at the launch in Abuja, yesterday, said in the last 13 years, BudgIT has used creative technology to simplify public information, stimulating a community of active citizens and enabling their right to demand accountability, reforms, and efficient service delivery.
He said the research is run annually to provide accurate and up-to-date information on fiscal decisions of states.
“This State of States report is even more valuable in this dispensation, as states are seen to access more resources. For example, the combined revenue of the 36 states increased by 31.2 per cent from N6.6 trillion in 2022 to N8.66 trillion. So, there is need to assess how states are managing the resources to improve lives,” he said.
He said the State of States report has become a reference document for most governments, PFM experts, foreign investors, development partners, and the academia.
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“Since inception, we have added sub-theme research annually. This year, our focus is on subnational investment in health sector. We analysed the budgetary allocation to health versus actual budget performance. We also tracked key capital investments in the sector.
“In fiscal 2023, the 36 states cumulatively allocated N2.3 trillion to health but spent only N1.39 trillion, representing 58.16 per cent budget performance. This report aims to spark a conversation about the need for subnational governments to prioritise resource management and investments in critical sectors as health,” Okeowo noted.
Communications Associate for BudgIT, Nancy Odimegwu, in a statement, noted that Rivers topped the fiscal performance ranking.
It added Cross River and Kwara joined Lagos, Anambra in top five states, while Jigawa replaced Zamfara at the bottom.
“In this edition, the fiscal performance ranking saw a reshuffling of top positions, with Cross River joining the top five while Rivers maintained No. 1 spot. Kebbi State achieved remarkable improvement, jumping 12 places from 28 to 16, while Jigawa State dropped 16 spots to 36. Rivers and Lagos were the only states that generated more than enough IGR to cover their operating expenses, with IGR to operating expense ratios of 121.26 per cent and 118.39 per cent.”
Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, represented by Director General of Kano State Investment Production Agency, Muhammad Halliru, said health was a top priority for Kano.
“We appreciate the invitation to this important event and we look forward to seeing their parts which of course will reflect some of the work and commitment of the state in ensuring transparency, accountability and good governance for Kano residents,” he said.
Speaking for Nigeria Governor’s Forum, Head of Stakeholder Relationship (Climate Change & SDG), Eghosa Omoigui, said they stood for sub-national development, saying they would ensure it was a priority in all states.
The keynote address was given by Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Economic Summit Group, Dr. Tayo Aduloju, who haild the initiative.