2024 State Of States Report: Rivers Tops Fiscal Performance Ranking

BudgIT, a leading civic-tech organization, has launched its 2024 State of States Report, themed “Moving Healthcare Delivery from Suboptimal to Optimal.”

The report assesses and ranks Nigeria’s 36 states’ fiscal performance.

Key Findings:

1. Rivers State maintained its top spot, while Cross River and Kwara joined Lagos and Anambra in the top 5.
2. Kebbi State improved significantly, jumping 12 places to 16th.
3. Jigawa State dropped 16 spots to 36th.
4. Only Rivers and Lagos generated enough Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to cover operating expenses.

Fiscal Performance Metrics:

1. Index A: Ability to meet Operating Expenses with IGR.
2. Index A1: Year-on-year growth of IGR.
3. Index B: Ability to cover operating expenses and loan repayment with Total Revenue.
4. Index C: Debt sustainability.
5. Index D: Prioritization of capital expenditure.

Healthcare Delivery:

1. Cumulative healthcare allocation: N2.3tn.
2. Actual spending: N1.39tn (58.16% budget performance).
3. Nine states had no record of medical equipment purchases.

Debt Landscape:

1. Total debt stock: N10.01tn (38.1% increase).
2. Domestic debt: N5.86tn.
3. Foreign debt: $4.61bn.

Recommendations:

1. States should prioritize internal revenue mobilization and debt sustainability.
2. Invest in healthcare infrastructure, human capital development, and social protection.
3. Establish robust frameworks for debt transparency and accountability.