Gombe State has once again distinguished itself as one of the best-governed sub-nationals in Nigeria, ranking fifth nationally in the 2025 Semi-Annual Budget Performance Report released by the International Center for Investigative Reporting (ICIR), a globally recognized non-profit organization that promotes transparency and accountability in governance.
According to the ICIR report, Gombe achieved an impressive budget implementation score of 39.5% in June 2025, outperforming more than 32 sub-nationals, including several with higher federal allocations.
The ICIR ranking reflects the prudence and reformist approach of the Inuwa Yahaya administration, transforming the state into a model of transparent governance and fiscal discipline, and steadily building its reputation as one of the most financially responsible states in Nigeria.
Through reforms such as the Treasury Single Account (TSA), Gombe Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS) and the Open Budget Portal, the Inuwa-led administration has strengthened budget monitoring, blocked leaks and improved citizens’ access to public financial data.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya has always emphasized that his administration’s fiscal vision remains people-centric: “Our goal is to ensure that every naira spent generates measurable impact. We are committed to building a fiscally responsible, economically vibrant and socially inclusive Gombe where transparency drives trust and accountability ensures progress.”
This recognition adds to a series of independent accolades garnered by Gombe State in recent years.
In September 2025, Gombe was celebrated nationally when the BudgIT Subnational Transparency Assessment ranked the state second nationally, with an outstanding score of 99 out of 100 points.
The report commended Gombe for the timely release of key tax documents including; the Enacted Budget, the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), the Citizens Budget and the Quarterly Budget Implementation Reports, as well as to maintain an updated e-procurement portal that improves public access to government spending data.
The latest ICIR ranking therefore cements Gombe State’s position as a national benchmark for fiscal responsibility as its reform-driven governance model continues to pay dividends for citizens and inspire confidence across the country and beyond, as contained in a statement by Ismaila Uba Misilli, Director General (Press Affairs), Gombe Government House.