A recent governance performance review by the Good Governance Rating Index GGRI a UKbased organization has ranked Zamfara Kwara and Benue as Nigerias worstmanaged states between 2023 and 2025 The report highlights significant challenges in governance including poor infrastructure security issues and inadequate public services .
1 Zamfara State A Crisis of Insecurity and Governance
Zamfara State led by Governor Dauda Lawal topped the list of poorly governed states The report attributes this ranking to escalating armed banditry mass abductions and a collapse of basic services Despite the governors initial promises the states development agenda remains unclear and corruption continues to undermine governance Over 60 of schoolage children in rural areas are out of school or in dilapidated classrooms and health facilities are chronically underfunded with maternal mortality rates among the highest in the country .
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2 Kwara State Promises Unfulfilled
Under the leadership of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq Kwara State ranked secondworst The GGRI report criticizes the state government for focusing on rhetoric rather than tangible results Poverty is deepening economic activities are stagnant and urban areas suffer from environmental decay The states capital and surrounding towns are plagued with dirty streets symptomatic of corruption and ineptitude in governance .
3 Benue State A Cycle of Neglect
Benue State led by Governor Hyacinth Alia ranked third The report describes the state as trapped in a cycle of insecurity poverty and poor governance Rural infrastructure has collapsed with many schools and hospitals abandoned or nonfunctional The governor has shown little willingness to confront insecurity leaving thousands of internally displaced persons without hope of resettlement Worsening poverty levels stagnant economic activity and widespread corruption among officials further exacerbate the situation .
National Implications
The GGRI warns that the poor governance in these three states threatens Nigerias human development index and broader democratic stability Citizens are being denied the dividends of democracy and these failures erode public trust in governance If unchecked they will deepen poverty instability and disillusionment .
The organization urges the federal government civil society and international partners to intensify oversight and support for reforms especially in education health and security It also calls on citizens to demand accountability .
Disclaimer
This news information is based on available reports and reliable sources Readers should crosscheck updates from official news outlets .