NEWS REPORT: Bar Yemi Highlights Wide Gaps in Governors’ Performance Across States
24th November, 2025
A new nationwide assessment has revealed sharp contrasts in how Nigerian state governments have utilized the surge in revenue following local government financial autonomy and the removal of fuel subsidy, exposing both exceptional achievers and administrations with little to show despite record allocations.
A comprehensive performance review presented this week evaluated state and local government activities across the country, following the July 2024 Supreme Court judgment granting full financial independence to local governments. The presenter Barrier Yemi Adetoyinbo highlighted vast revenue inflows — including monthly derivation funds of no less than ₦1.5 billion for certain states — and stressed the urgency of accountability in the use of public resources.
According to the findings, several states have recorded impressive development strides. One South-East administration was ranked the highest-performing, having reportedly commissioned over 200 schools and 160 roads in a single day, while also launching an airline and completing what it described as Africa’s largest terminal. Officials from the state claim that food distribution and palliatives have effectively cushioned hardship for residents.
In the South-West, another state was praised for massive metropolitan road construction valued at ₦220 billion and the creation of subsidized food markets intended to reduce the high cost of living. Additional recognition went to another administration in the region for rolling out significant housing developments, urban rail projects, and improvements in local government efficiency.
Northern states, especially in the North-East and North-West, were commended for channeling increased revenue into community rehabilitation, hospital construction, and aid for internally displaced persons. One administration was described as commissioning so many projects that federal officials reportedly became overwhelmed by invitation after invitation.
Another South-West administration earned mention for delivering up to nine flyovers — surpassing the combined output of its immediate predecessors. Similarly, a North-Central state was acknowledged for rapid industrial expansion, becoming a multi-billion-naira economy with hundreds of manufacturing firms, a cargo airport, and plans for an airline.
Overall, more than 20 states were rated “above average,” with the presenter emphasizing that the assessment was based on performance rather than political affiliation. Additional categories highlighted states performing well in the distribution of palliatives, empowerment programs, and local security interventions.
Nevertheless, the report criticized several state administrations for having “little or nothing to show” despite receiving unprecedented revenue over the past few years. The presenter urged the Federal Government to intensify engagement with states to ensure that public funds translate into measurable improvements for citizens.
The briefing concluded with concerns about rising insecurity and questions about whether increased security funding has yielded meaningful results. The overarching message called for greater transparency, responsibility, and citizen-focused governance, reaffirming that public funds must be used strictly for public good.
NEWS REPORT: Governor’s Performance — Adewinle Praises Aiyedatiwa’s Infrastructural Development
Dr. Martins Adewinle has commended the quality of infrastructural development recorded across South-West states while offering a detailed clarification on the parameters used in recent comparative assessments of governors’ performance by the invited guests speaker Barr Adetoyinbo. Speaking during an interaction, he noted that discussions on post-independence governance and infrastructural growth must be guided by accurate analytical methods.
Dr. Martins explained that the Southwest Herald magazine under review focused on comparative analyses of federal allocations and their impact at state and local government levels. He stressed the need for proper research standards, arguing that comparing an administration with eight years in office to one with less than two years is methodologically inaccurate. According to him, credible analysis must match “like-for-like” data to avoid misleading conclusions.
He emphasized that long-term planning is essential in governance, noting that major projects require groundwork such as soil tests, approvals, and comprehensive designs. These foundational stages, he said, are often unseen by the public but are critical before visible development begins.
Martins also described the notable progress recorded in Ondo State, highlighting ongoing road construction, rehabilitation works, regular payment of salaries and pensions, and various community-driven development efforts. He added that government must first address people’s welfare because citizens can only appreciate infrastructure when their basic needs are met.
Assessing the broader South-West (Ondo state in particular) region, he remarked that states have generally performed well, with improvement in infrastructure and relative stability in security. While acknowledging occasional security incidents, he insisted that the region remains considerably safer than many others across the country.
Dr. Martins also commended the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts in economic reforms, security enhancement, and industrial development, even though the results may not yet be widespread. He cautioned that some individuals will remain perpetual critics regardless of progress made.
On national security, he noted that even advanced nations experience lapses, citing an attempted attack on former U.S. President Donald Trump during a campaign event. He concluded that what matters most is leadership’s ability to respond, control, and implement preventive measures to safeguard citizens.
Dr . Jide Martins Adewinle, FCA, FCIB, is a Federal Commissioner and Chairman Finance and General Purpose Committee, South West Development Commission.
