Yobe State has once again been ranked as the best-performing state in Nigeria in the 2024 Subnational Audit Efficacy (SAE) Index, a report by the Paradigm Leadership Support Initiative (PLSI), a civic organization dedicated to promoting public accountability.
The SAE Index evaluates how effectively Nigeria’s 36 states manage and utilize public funds, as well as their level of transparency in implementing public policies.
In the latest ranking, launched in Abuja on March 20, 2025, Yobe State secured the top position with a score of 73%, maintaining its reputation for strong public audit practices. Ekiti (54%) and Adamawa (47%) followed in second and third place, respectively.
At the bottom of the list, Ogun, Bayelsa, and Ebonyi ranked 34th, each scoring just 7%.
PLSI’s SAE Index assesses states based on the public audit process, including the submission, review, and implementation of audit recommendations by relevant authorities. The goal of the index is to strengthen accountability in governance and ensure that public resources are efficiently utilized for the benefit of citizens.
Speaking on the report’s release, PLSI Executive Director, Olusegun Elemo, praised Yobe State for its continued leadership in financial transparency. “The SAE Index is a tool for driving reform and strengthening public trust. Yobe’s achievement shows that prioritizing transparency in public financial management is possible and rewarding,” he stated.
The Index emphasizes the importance of regular audits, prompt action on recommendations, and collaboration among government institutions to promote good governance.
This latest recognition reinforces Yobe State’s position as a leader in public sector accountability, setting a benchmark for other states in Nigeria to follow.
