Abia State has been ranked the worst-performing state in Nigeria in audit transparency, scoring just 9 percent in the 2025 Subnational Audit Efficacy (SAE) Index released by Paradigm Leadership Support Initiative.
The report placed Abia 36th out of the 36 states, far below the national average of 34.5 percent, raising fresh concerns about fiscal accountability and governance standards in the state.
Reacting to the development, the Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development (FENRAD) described the ranking as a clear indication of deep-rooted structural deficiencies in public financial management and oversight.
In a statement issued on April 6, the group highlighted what it called “critical accountability gaps,” including weak financial autonomy for audit institutions, poor publication of audit reports, and ineffective legislative scrutiny of government finances.
“Abia State’s position at the bottom of the 2025 Subnational Audit Efficacy Index is a clear indication of systemic weaknesses in fiscal governance and accountability,” the statement read.
“This is not merely a ranking, it reflects the urgent need for institutional reforms, transparency in public financial management, and the political will to implement audit recommendations.”
FENRAD further noted that Abia trails behind other South-East states, all of which also performed below the national average. According to the index, Anambra scored 24 percent, while Ebonyi and Enugu recorded 21 percent each, and Imo posted 18 percent.
The organisation warned that the state’s poor performance could have far-reaching implications, including declining public trust, inefficient use of public resources, weak service delivery, and heightened vulnerability to corruption.
“It is even more concerning that Abia lags behind its South-East counterparts—Anambra (24%), Ebonyi (21%), Enugu (21%), and Imo (18%)—all already below the national average. This highlights a widening accountability gap that requires immediate corrective action,” the group added.
FENRAD called on the Abia State Government to implement urgent reforms by strengthening audit institutions, ensuring full financial and administrative autonomy for the Office of the Auditor-General, and guaranteeing the timely publication of audit reports.
The group also urged the State House of Assembly to reinforce its oversight functions by revitalising the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and establishing mechanisms to track the implementation of audit recommendations.
In addition, it stressed the need to promote transparency and citizen participation through open budgeting processes, civic engagement, and accessible public accountability platforms.
“Citizens deserve to know how public funds are managed, and governance must reflect openness, responsibility, and measurable performance,” the statement said.
FENRAD also appealed to civil society organisations and development partners to collaborate with government institutions in reversing the trend, reiterating that accountability remains central to sustainable development.
The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to supporting reforms aimed at improving transparency and ensuring that public resources are effectively managed for the benefit of citizens.
