ASABA/Nigeria: Delta State has been ranked the second best-governed state in Nigeria under the administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, according to the 2025 Commonwealth Institute of Advanced and Professional Studies (CIAPS) Governance Performance Index (CGPI).
The latest ranking places Delta State ahead of 34 other states in the federation, reinforcing growing recognition of the Oborevwori administration’s performance in governance, infrastructure development, public service delivery and overall management of state affairs.
According to the report, Delta scored 70 per cent to secure the second position nationally, trailing only Kaduna State, which topped the ranking with 73 per cent.
The Commonwealth Institute of Advanced and Professional Studies Governance Performance Index assessed governors across Nigeria’s 36 states, evaluating governance outcomes, effectiveness of public administration, accountability and service delivery.
The ranking places Governor Oborevwori among the country’s top-performing governors and highlights the impact of his administration’s development initiatives under the MORE Agenda.
Anambra State, led by Governor Charles Soludo, emerged third with a score of 65.5 per cent, while Niger State under Governor Mohammed Umar Bago placed fourth with 65.1 per cent. Ekiti State, governed by Governor Biodun Oyebanji, occupied the fifth position with 64.5 per cent.
Akwa Ibom State under Governor Umo Eno and Lagos State under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu shared the sixth and seventh positions respectively with scores of 64 per cent each. Oyo State, led by Governor Seyi Makinde, came eighth with 61 per cent, while Enugu State under Governor Peter Mbah ranked ninth with 56.5 per cent. Borno State, governed by Professor Babagana Zulum, completed the top ten with 54 per cent.
Other states occupying positions 11 to 20 include Kwara, Abia, Ondo, Nasarawa, Osun, Ogun, Kano, Kogi, Edo and Jigawa.
The report identified Taraba State as the lowest-performing state with a governance score of 20 per cent. Yobe, Benue, Rivers, Plateau and Kebbi States were also listed among the bottom performers.
Analysts say Delta State’s strong performance reflects the administration’s sustained investments in critical sectors, including road infrastructure, healthcare, education, economic development and public sector reforms.
The ranking is also expected to boost public confidence in Governor Oborevwori’s MORE Agenda, which has driven the execution of major projects and governance reforms aimed at improving the quality of life of residents across the state.
Observers note that the state’s impressive showing underscores the effectiveness of ongoing efforts to strengthen institutions, improve service delivery and ensure prudent management of public resources.
The Commonwealth Institute of Advanced and Professional Studies stated that the Governance Performance Index was designed to serve as a benchmark for measuring the effectiveness of state governments while promoting accountability, transparency and sustainable development across Nigeria.
For Delta State, the latest ranking represents another significant endorsement of the Oborevwori administration’s governance approach and its commitment to delivering tangible development outcomes for the people.
