News

Rivers Tops 2021 Fiscal Performance Ranking

Published

4 years ago

February 23, 2022

Rivers State has grossed the top position in the 2021 Fiscal Performance Ranking, beating 35 others states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in the State of States 2021 BudgIT Report.
A close look at the National Fiscal Outlook shows that Rivers State once again topped the overall 2021 Fiscal Performance Ranking despite COVID-19 induced fiscal shocks to its IGR, indicating that the fiscal fundamentals of the state, compared to other states, are more prudently managed.
Two states made it, as new entrants, to the Top 5 category in the overall 2021 ranking – Ebonyi State emerged in second position, up from sixth position in 2020, and Kebbi State emerged in fifth position, up from 11th position in 2020.
The entrance of Ebonyi and Kebbi states into the Top 5 category was driven largely by growth in both states’ IGR as recorded by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
In the 2021 Performance Ranking, two states dropped out of the Top 5 in overall ranking; Ogun State (now 19th) and Kano State (now 22nd), due to a sharp decline in their IGR in 2020.
A closer look at the report shows that the Top 5 States are Rivers (1), Ebonyi (2), Anambra (3), Lagos (4) and Kebbi (5), while the Bottom 5 are Bayelsa (36), Taraba (35), Benue (34), Katsina (33) and Adamawa (32).
The rest of the states are Kaduna (6), Gombe (7), Cross River (8), Edo (9), Kwara (10), Zamfara (11), Sokoto (12), Osun (13), Enugu (14), Abia (15), Nasarawa (16), Borno (17)and Plateau (18).
Others include Ogun (19), Imo ranked 20, Yobe in 21st position, Kano (22), Oyo (23), Akwa Ibom (24), Jigawa (25), Niger (26), Bauchi (27), Kogi (28), Ekiti (29), Ondo (30), and an oil and gas-producing state – Delta- at 31st position.
In fact, three oil and gas producing states – Bayelsa, Delta and Ondo – are in the Bottom 7 of the 2021 Fiscal Performance Ranking, showing shamefully frivolous management of scarce resources accruing to the states in the year under review.
In the States’ Comparative Viability Index, only three states in the country can meet their operating expenses obligations with a combination of their IGR and Value Added TAX (VAT) as measured in BudgIT’s States’ Performance Index Ranking: Lagos, Rivers and Anambra.
The States Performance Index ranked Lagos tops with a score of 0.70, Rivers second with a score of 0.81, Anambra third with a score of 0.99, Ebonyi fourth with a score of 1.08, and Cross River fifth with 1.21 score.
Kaduna scored 1.22 to emerge sixth, Kebbi scored 1.26 to emerge seventh, Osun scored 1.36 to rank ninth, Zamfara scored 1.45 to rank 10th, Plateau scored 1.48 to emerge 11th, Gombe scored 1.49 to rank 12th while Edo scored 1.54 to emerge 13th in the ranking.
Kwara ranked 14th with a scored 1.55, Enugu ranked 15th with a score of 1.66, Oyo ranked 16th with a score of 1.66, Sokoto ranked 17th with a score of 1.72, Imo ranked 18th with a score 1.76, Abia 19th on 1.78 score, Kano 20th on 1.82 score, Borno 21th on 1.99 score, Nasarawa 22nd, on 1.99 score, and Kogi 23rd on 2.09 score.
With a score of 2.18, Bauchi ranked 24th, Yobe scored 2.26 to rank 25th, Niger scored 2.30 to emerge 26th, Adamawa scored 2.33 to rank 27th, Ondo scored 2.33 to rank 28th, Akwa Ibom scored 2.34 to rank 29th, Katsina scored 2.41 to emerge 30th while Ekiti scored 2.47 to rank 31st.
At the Bottom 5 of the States Performance Index, are Jigawa which scored 2.47 to rank 32nd, Delta 2.51 score at 33rd, Benue 2.64 score to rank 34th, Taraba scored 3.23 to emerge 35th, and Bayelsa scored 5.32 to gross 36th.
The BudgIT report urged that states at the bottom of the Index A ranking need to do more to rapidly consolidate on any ongoing strategies to improve their IGR and by extension, their viability as federating entities.
In its ranking of States Performance on Index B which measured availability of public revenue to invest in capital infrastructure after fulfilling repayment obligations to lenders and their government’s operation expenses, the BudgIT report ranked Ebonyi tops with a score of 0.47, Rivers second with a score of 0.48, Kebbi third with a score 0.51, Anambra fourth with a score of 0.53, and Kaduna fifth with a score of 0.57.
States with less revenue left to invest in capital infrastructure for citizens, and also face greater risk of borrowing are Zamfara which scored 0.96 and ranked 33rd, Oyo at 0.98 and ranked 34th, Benue which scored 1.00 and ranked 35th, and Taraba, ranking 36th with a score of 1.19.
However, BudgIT cautioned that “all Nigerian states still need to work hard to build economic prosperity and create more jobs in their states to ensure that there is more money in circulation and economic activities that can be taxed to improve their IGR”.
On the Subnational Debt Outlook, the BudgIT report said that, “Cumulatively, the 36 states total debt burden increased by N472.63billion or 8.78percent from N5.39trillion in 2019 to N5.86trillion in 2020. This increase in total subnational debt was driven largely by exchange rate volatility which saw the value of the Naira jump from N305.9/$1 in 2019 to N380/$1 as at December 31, 2020.”
Its report on the Spending Priorities shows that “based on each state’s 2020 revenue, five states prioritized investment in infrastructure by spending more on capital expenditure than operating expenses. The states are Ebonyi, Rivers, Anambra and Cross River states in the South and Kaduna State in the North.”
The BudgIT report also gave a detailed breakdown of Rivers State’s growth indices over the five-year IGR earning trend from 2016 through 2020, with N85.29billion in 2016, N89.48billion in 2017, N112.78billion in 2018, N140.40billion in 2019 and N117.19billion in 2020.
It showed that gross FAAC revenues stood at NN104.93billion in 2016, N138.15billion in 2017, N172.87billion in 2018, N169.13billion in 2019 and N149.75billion in 2020.
The state’s Year-On-Year Growth rate 2019 through 2020 shows that IGR declined by -16.53percent, Gross FAAC was -11.46percent, while Capital Expenditure was -24.14percent.
Also, the Structure of State of States Recurrent Revenue for 2020 reported N117.19billion in IGR value, representing 43.90percent, against N149.75billion Gross FAAC value, representing 56.10percent.
On the 2020 Spending Priority Index, Rivers State reported a Capital Expenditure of N168.36billion, or 59.70percent against N113.65billion Operating Expenses or 40.30percent.
The BudgIT report also gave an analysis of Rivers State’s Per Capita for 2020, which stood at N14,005 IGR Per Capita; N20,120 Capital Expenditure Per Capita; and N36,291 Total Debt Per Capita.
BudgIT report indicates that “Rivers State’s IGR was still the second highest in the country and accounted for 9.65percent of the total N1.21trillion in IGR generated by all 36 states; it was surpassed only by Lagos State, with an IGR of N418.98billion in 2020″.

By: Nelson Chukwudi

News

Cleric Predicts Breakthrough, Warns of Political and Security Challenges in 2026

Published

2 days ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

The Founder and Senior Pastor of Liberty Hour Ministry, Port Harcourt, Apostle Chikadibia John Wodo, has expressed optimism that 2026 will usher in uncommon breakthroughs and good fortune for Nigeria, particularly in the areas of political, economic, and spiritual development, with Rivers State playing a key role.

Apostle Wodo made this declaration in his special New Year message, where he stated that individuals and forces standing as obstacles to the manifestation of God’s will in the new year would face bitter consequences. He cautioned that corrupt political leaders risk backlash from the very people they govern if they fail to change their ways.

The cleric warned against the escalation of political tension in Rivers State and called on residents and religious leaders to intensify prayers for lasting peace. He also urged Governor Siminalayi Fubara to remain resolute in leadership, reminding him to uphold his vows to God by continually seeking divine guidance in decision-making and governance amid evolving challenges.

Assessing the broader national situation, Apostle Wodo called on Nigerian leaders to repent and govern with a heightened sense of responsibility, noting that the cries and supplications of the masses have drawn divine attention. He further warned of alleged plots to disrupt a smooth democratic transition in 2027 and appealed for prayers to avert such an agenda.

According to him, Nigerians are yearning for genuine socio-economic transformation and freedom from political oppression. He challenged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to redeem its credibility by ensuring free, fair, and credible elections devoid of undue political interference.

The cleric also predicted that insecurity could worsen in the coming year and warned of the possible emergence of a strange ailment, stressing that Nigeria’s political challenges can only be resolved through equity, fairness, and justice, especially in the treatment of minorities, the vulnerable, and the disadvantaged.

Apostle Wodo further claimed that some clerics and General Overseers have compromised their faith and incurred divine displeasure, calling for sincere repentance to restore their relationship with God. He also advised early preparedness to mitigate natural disasters such as fire outbreaks and flooding, particularly in rural communities.

He concluded by urging Nigerians to remain prayerful, vigilant, and united as the nation navigates the opportunities and challenges of 2026.

News

Ado Royal Family Disowns Alleged Installation of Amanyanabo of Okrika

Published

2 days ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

The Ado Royal Family of Okrika has firmly disassociated itself from the alleged self-enthronement of Hon. Godknows Tam George as the Amanyanabo of Okrika and Clan Head, describing the action as unlawful, illegitimate, and a threat to the peace of the ancient kingdom.

The family, which described itself as the sole legitimate custodian of the history, traditions, and stool of the Amanyanabo of Okrika, stated that it has not installed any king and has not commenced the formal process for such installation.

This position was contained in a statement jointly signed by Prof. Sotonye Fyneface-Ogan (Ogan Ado Royal House), Alabo Engr. Henry Semenitari Abam (Abam Ado Royal House), and Alabo Prince Oriyeorikabo Fibika (Fibika Ado Royal House). The statement was presented to journalists on Friday at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, Moscow Road, Port Harcourt.

According to the statement, the purported action by Hon. Tam George amounts to “a blatant assault on the collective integrity of the Okrika people” and constitutes “a criminal act of impersonation with the potential to destabilize the peace and socio-political fabric of our ancient kingdom.”

The family stressed that Hon. Tam George was never presented as a candidate by the Ado Royal Family and did not undergo any of the mandatory rites, consultations, or confirmations required by Okrika customs.

“The Ado Royal Family has never presented him as a candidate, nor has he undergone any of the prerequisite rites, consultations, or confirmations. His actions are those of a lone interloper, operating in a vacuum of legitimacy,” the statement read.

It further emphasized that the stool of the Amanyanabo of Okrika and Clan Head is a sacred institution rooted in centuries-old traditions and spiritual heritage, not something to be claimed through academic qualifications, political ambition, or personal interest.

Speaking during the briefing, Prof. Sotonye Fyneface-Ogan reiterated that the process of crowning an Amanyanabo is clearly defined and has not yet begun.

“To crown a king, there is a process, and those processes have not taken place,” he said. “We are the chiefs; we are the ones that will be part of the selection. Honestly, we have not started the selection process; we have only begun discussions.”

He explained that during the proper selection process, chiefs supervise nominations from each constituent house, with each house expected to nominate two or three candidates—steps which, he noted, have not been carried out.

“I want to assure the public that none of the Ado family chiefs has given Hon. Tam George any sign of approval,” Prof. Fyneface-Ogan added.

Efforts to obtain the reaction of Hon. Godknows Tam George proved unsuccessful. Repeated attempts through phone calls, text messages, and WhatsApp messages were unsuccessful, as he did not respond as of the time of filing this report.

By: Tonye Orabere

News

PH Traders Laud RSG’s Fire Safety Sensitisation Campaign

Published

2 days ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

Traders in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, have commended the Rivers State Government (RSG) for its ongoing fire emergency and safety sensitisation campaign across major markets in the state.

Speaking on behalf of traders at Nowa Market, Borikiri Old Port Harcourt Township, the market chairman, Mr. Innocent Chukwuma, praised Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara for initiating the awareness programme in designated markets and public places.

Chukwuma described the exercise as timely and impactful, noting that it was the first time the Rivers State Government had carried out such a campaign in Nowa Market. According to him, the sensitisation would educate traders on fire emergencies and the necessary precautions to prevent outbreaks.

He urged traders to strictly apply the safety measures taught during the campaign, both during business hours and after closing their shops.

“I want to thank the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Ministry of Special Duties for coming to our aid, especially during this dry season,” Chukwuma said.

“This is the first time we are seeing government presence in our market in this manner. We lack words to thank our God-sent governor, particularly for providing us with fire extinguishers and other firefighting equipment.

“We will do exactly what we have been taught today to ensure there is no fire incident in our market. We will always switch off all electrical appliances before closing for the day,” he added.

Similarly, the Chairman of Mile 3 USTRE Modern Market, Mr. Gift Nkesi Benjamin, applauded the state government for the distribution of fire extinguishers and other fire safety equipment.

“We will adhere strictly to the safety guidelines and instructions given to us today to ensure there is no fire outbreak in our market,” Benjamin stated.

“On behalf of Mile 3 USTRE Modern Market, I sincerely thank the Rivers State Government and the Ministry of Special Duties for bringing this important campaign to our market.”

At Rumuwoji Market (popularly known as Mile 1 Market), the Chairman, Chief Hon. Godpower O. Wobo, also expressed gratitude to the state government for the sensitisation exercise. He assured that traders would comply fully with government directives to prevent future fire incidents.

Responding on behalf of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Special Duties, Mr. Sokari D. P. George, thanked the traders for their cooperation and warm reception.

He emphasised that safety remains paramount, especially during the dry season, and urged traders to be cautious in their daily activities.

Mr. George disclosed that the theme of the 2025 fire safety campaign is “Controlled Fire Is a Friend, Uncontrolled Fire Is an Enemy.”

He cautioned against refuse and bush burning around buildings and warned traders not to store fuel in unauthorized places such as homes, offices, markets, or public buildings.

“Follow all fire safety guidelines and instructions,” he urged.

The permanent secretary also noted that Governor Fubara prefers a zero-fireworks approach during festive periods to ensure public safety, stressing that the government has invested heavily in markets and expects traders to take responsibility for protecting them.

By: Kiadum Edookor