By Christian ABURIME
In Nigeria’s subnational governance, one of the most credible measures of a responsible leadership of a state is the consistency of its fiscal wellbeing. When words match actions, and numbers align with records of performance, the results are undeniable. And good governance, to say the least, is always accountable and measurable.
It is with a profound sense of achievement that we again acknowledge a new milestone for the Light of the Nation. Excellence here simply begets more excellence. According to the freshly unveiled 2026 State of States Report by the renowned civic organisation BudgIT, Anambra State has remarkably emerged third among Nigeria’s 36 states in fiscal viability.
This latest distinguished ranking is another veritable proof of the state’s economic resilience and a distinction in subnational financial management. The report places Anambra among the elite top five states with the strongest ability to manage expenditures with available revenues. This indicates a dramatically improved capacity to meet recurrent obligations without relying heavily on federal allocations.
In the plain, unvarnished lexicon of BudgIT, fiscal viability is defined as the ability of a state to “survive without federal handout.” By achieving this prestigious third-place ranking, Anambra has effectively sustained its narrative of state survival in Nigeria, trading the culture of dependency for the dignity of self-reliance.
Of course, at the helm of this continuing economic renaissance is the resourceful leadership of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo. When he assumed office, he promised a departure from the archaic ways of governance, pledging to run the state with the precision of a seasoned economist and the heart of a devoted public servant. This BudgIT report is the ultimate validation of his strategic blueprint.
The ranking vividly highlights Governor Soludo’s focus on strengthening the state’s fiscal capacity and promoting a rigorous culture of financial discipline across all ministries, departments, and agencies. Under his ‘Do More with Less’ and zero-borrowing stewardship, leakages have been blocked, and resources are now optimally deployed to yield maximum impact.
Yet, the true beauty of this fiscal ascendancy lies beyond statistics to show in its human impact. Guided by the noble philosophy of ensuring that “every kobo of Anambra works for Ndi Anambra,” the Soludo administration has translated fiscal prudence into tangible dividends of democracy. The financial discipline championed by the governor is actively funding the prosperity of the citizens, driving infrastructural development, stimulating local commerce, and improving the overall quality of life in the state.
Today, Anambra State can bask in the well-deserved glow of its excellent ranking, no matter the larger harsh economic realities. The growing economic maturity of the State certainly bears hope of a brighter future. And with a visionary leadership, unyielding discipline, and a people-first approach of Governor Soludo, the Light of the Nation will continue to thrive against all odds.
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