NEWS
UK-Based Governance Report Lists Zamfara, Kwara, Benue Among Nigeria’s Poorest Managed States
By David Torough, Abuja
A new governance performance review has ranked Zamfara, Kwara, and Benue as the worst-performing states in Nigeria between 2023 and 2025.
The ranking was contained in a midterm report released on Monday in London by the Good Governance Rating Index (GGRI), a UK-based organisation that tracks and evaluates leadership quality, service delivery and accountability in developing democracies.
According to the report, the three states, under the leadership of Governors Dauda Lawal of Zamfara, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara, and Hyacinth Alia of Benue, performed abysmally across major governance indicators such as health, education, infrastructure, economic opportunities, transparency, and security.
GGRI said its findings were based on data gathered from official government reports, independent audits, field surveys, and citizen feedback mechanisms between May 2023 and August 2025.
“The performance of Zamfara, Kwara, and Benue falls well below the national average across all measurable indicators. These states have consistently demonstrated weak leadership, poor policy choices, and a lack of transparency that have compounded the hardships of their citizens,” the report stated.
Zamfara ranked bottom overall, with GGRI citing the deepening insecurity crisis in the state, where armed banditry and mass abductions continue to thrive.
According to the organisation, “Zamfara has no clear developmental agenda despite the governor’s rich manifesto at inception. Corruption and the activities of government agents and non-state actors have continued to fuel insecurity even with billions regularly allocated as security votes. The state’s infrastructure is collapsing, workers’ welfare remains poor, and the vast revenues received from the Federation Account are not translating into meaningful development.”
The report further noted that “Zamfara’s education sector is in ruins, with over 60 percent of school-age children in rural areas either out of school or attending poorly equipped classrooms. Health facilities are chronically underfunded, and maternal mortality rates remain among the highest in the country. Instead of institutional reforms, the government has prioritised political patronage, worsening the plight of ordinary citizens.”
Kwara, under Governor AbdulRazaq, ranked second-worst. GGRI observed that despite heavy rhetoric on reforms, the state’s economy and social indicators have stagnated.
The organisation stated that “poverty is deepening in Kwara, while economic activities remain largely stagnant. The state capital and surrounding towns are plagued with dirty streets and environmental decay, symptomatic of corruption and ineptitude in governance. Infrastructure continues to crumble, with Ilorin suffering from bad roads, unreliable water supply, and inadequate public housing.”
It added that “the education sector has deteriorated, with many schools lacking qualified teachers and learning materials. Health outcomes are similarly poor, with rural health centres understaffed and ill-equipped. Governor AbdulRazaq has mastered the art of lofty promises and public relations, but the reality is that his citizens are not feeling the impact of government on their daily lives.”
Benue State, led by Governor Alia, ranked third-worst, with GGRI warning that insecurity, poverty and governance failures have combined to push the state deeper into crisis.
“Benue has witnessed a collapse in rural infrastructure, with primary schools in many local government areas reduced to ghost structures and hospitals either abandoned or non-functional,” the report noted.
It added that “the governor has shown little willingness to confront insecurity, leaving thousands of internally displaced persons without hope of resettlement. Poverty levels are climbing, economic activities are stagnant, and corruption among state officials is rife. The surroundings in both rural and urban centres are dirty and neglected, with no major infrastructure projects to inspire confidence. What exists is the entrenchment of despair and a government adrift without a clear development agenda.”
GGRI warned that the poor performance of Zamfara, Kwara, and Benue carries national implications, particularly for Nigeria’s human development index and overall democratic consolidation.
“The tragedy is not only that citizens are being denied the dividends of democracy, but also that these failures erode public trust in governance. If unchecked, the long-term consequence will be the deepening of poverty, instability, and disillusionment,” the report stated.
The organisation called on the federal government, civil society, and international partners to intensify oversight and support for reforms in these states.
It recommended urgent interventions in the education and health sectors, stronger accountability frameworks for public expenditure, and targeted security strategies tailored to each state’s challenges.
GGRI further urged citizens in the affected states to demand accountability from their leaders rather than accept excuses.
“Governors are elected to lead, not to explain away failures. The people of Zamfara, Kwara, and Benue must insist on good governance as a right, not a favour,” it concluded.
The Good Governance Rating Index is widely regarded as an independent evaluator of governance quality across Africa. Its reports are often used by donor agencies, development institutions, and investment partners as reference for engagement strategies.
By Tambaya Julius, Abuja
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the American Business Council (ABC) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening trade relations and addressing bottlenecks affecting business operations through sustained public-private sector engagement.
The resolution was reached during the quarterly meeting held on 16 June 2026 at the Service Headquarters in Abuja, where discussions centred on improving trade facilitation, enhancing security, and promoting stronger economic ties between Nigeria and the United States.
Speaking during the meeting, the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) Adewale Adeniyi stressed the importance of regular consultations with stakeholders, noting that the engagement would be institutionalised as a permanent feature of the Service’s calendar.
“It is our intention that we will institutionalise this as a permanent feature of the Customs calendar because of the importance we attach to this kind of engagement,” Adeniyi said.
CGC Adeniyi also briefed participants on developments in key trade facilitation initiatives, including the Advance Ruling system, the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme, Post Clearance Audit, the B’Odogwu platform, and ongoing improvements in scanning integration and cargo clearance procedures aimed at enhancing operational efficiency.
Members of the American Business Council welcomed the reforms and commended the Service’s efforts, while also calling for quicker mechanisms to address outstanding challenges affecting businesses.
President of the American Business Council, Nneka Enwereji, described the meeting as productive and praised the Customs leadership for its commitment to improving the ease of doing business in the country.
“This session has been phenomenal and demonstrates your commitment to improving ease of doing business. You have raised the bar, and there is a lot that can be learned from this,” she said.
By Tambaya Julius, Abuja
In collaboration with international partners, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has foiled an attempt to smuggle a large consignment of Tap Tramadol 250mg through the Murtala Muhammed Area Command (MMAC).
The intercepted shipment was formally handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Thursday, 11 June 2026, for further investigation and action.
Speaking during the official handover ceremony, the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller of Customs, Godwin Otunla, noted that the operation reflects the NCS’s sustained efforts to combat the trafficking of controlled substances that pose serious threats to public health and national security.
He commended the officers of the Special WILD Office of the NCS Intelligence Unit for their professionalism and timely intelligence, which played a critical role in the successful interception. He also praised the dedication and teamwork of officers and men involved in the operation.
The CAC further acknowledged the technical support and cooperation received from the United Arab Emirates’ Customs. “Their assistance was instrumental in identifying and intercepting this illegal shipment, further demonstrating the importance of international collaboration in the fight against transnational crime,” he said.
The CAC further reaffirmed the NSC’s commitment to strengthening inter-agency collaboration and intelligence-driven operations in the collective interest of national security.
By David Torough, Abuja
Actor and social commentator Ugezu J. Ugezu, was detained by the Nigeria Police Force following an investigation into an allegedly defamatory social media publication in which he claimed that international businessman and philanthropist Prince (Hon) Daniel Kanu had been arrested, prosecuted and imprisoned in the early 2000s.
The investigation was triggered by a petition filed by Kanu on March 23, 2026, alleging that the Facebook publication contained false and malicious claims intended to damage his reputation.
The petition accused Ugezu of criminal defamation, cyberbullying and cyberstalking, prompting investigators at the Nigerian Cybercrime Centre (NCCC) in Abuja to invite the actor for questioning.
According to our sources, Ugezu honored an invitation from investigators at the NCCC in Abuja on June 3, 2026, where he was questioned over the source of the claims contained in his Facebook post.
During the interrogation, Ugezu allegedly told investigators that the information had been obtained from the internet. However, he was reportedly unable to provide any credible or verifiable source to substantiate the claims when pressed by investigators. He also reportedly stated his intention to apologize to Kanu for the false publication once he was released from police detention, adding that his objective in publishing the post was to advise young people to make responsible life choices.
Police subsequently detained Ugezu after questioning him.
According to accounts from a source that preferred anonymity, the actor was later granted administrative bail, but had to be transferred to the detention facility of the Federal Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) after he failed to satisfy the conditions attached to his bail.
Sources close to the matter said that although Ugezu admitted authoring the false publication and later issued an apology following his detention, the statement stopped short of a clear retraction of the allegations or an unequivocal acknowledgment that the publication was false as he had previously admitted during police interrogation.
They maintained that the apology did not sufficiently repair the damage allegedly caused to Kanu’s reputation.As a result, Ugezu has been invited to report to the police in two weeks for further interrogation.
Those familiar with the matter said the action is intended not only to clear Kanu’s name but also to reinforce accountability for the publication of unverified allegations on digital platforms.
In an earlier statement responding to the controversy, Kanu categorically denied ever being arrested, charged, tried or imprisoned in Nigeria or any other jurisdiction. He described the claims circulated on social media as “patently false, malicious and defamatory” and insisted they were part of a deliberate attempt to destroy his reputation.
He also emphasized his record as an entrepreneur and philanthropist with investments and youth empowerment initiatives across Nigeria.
At the time of this report, neither Ugezu nor his representatives could be reached for comments on the investigation.
The dispute adds to growing concerns over the spread of unverified information on Nigeria’s social media space.The investigation remains ongoing.
Our source says the police have assured Prince Kanu that complaints of cyberbullying and related offences are taken seriously and will be thoroughly investigated.
They further stated that the outcome of the probe will determine whether additional legal or administrative steps will be taken in connection with Ugezu’s publication.
Customs, American Business Council Deepen Trade Collaboration
ShareBy Tambaya Julius, Abuja The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the American Business Council (ABC) have reaffirmed their commitment to...
NCS, UAE Customs Foil Tramadol Smuggling Attempt
ShareBy Tambaya Julius, Abuja In collaboration with international partners, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has foiled an attempt to smuggle...
Police Detain Actor Ugezu Ugezu for Defamatory Facebook Post against Prince Daniel Kanu
ShareBy David Torough, Abuja Actor and social commentator Ugezu J. Ugezu, was detained by the Nigeria Police Force following an...
Tinubu Visits Benue, Commissions Projects Tomorrow
ShareFrom Attah Ede, Makurdi Benue State is set to host the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and National...
Fifa to Pay Somali Referee Artan Full World Cup fee
ShareSomali referee Omar Artan, who was denied entry to the United States to officiate at the World Cup, will still receive his full...
Delegates in China Denounce Xenophobic Attacks
ShareAfrican delegates attending seminars in China have condemned reported xenophobic attacks against foreign African nationals in South Africa and called for greater unity across the continent. The delegates made the...
Kogi Targets 240,000 Children for Schistosomiasis Mass Drug Administration
ShareFrom Joseph Amedu, Lokoja The Kogi State Government said it will reach over 240,000 children aged 5–14 years in 39 wards across 15 Local...
Anambra Urges Residents to Provide Information on Fake Pastors, Others
ShareFrom Sylvia Udegbunam, Enugu The Anambra State Government, under the leadership of Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has extended the “War Against Fake Native Doctors”...
Boat Mishap Kills 11 in Benue River
ShareFrom Attah Ede, Makurdi No fewer than 11 persons were Saturday night feared dead when a boat said to be conveying them...
Terrorism: After Gen Rabe’s Death, Buratai Warns of Darker Days Ahead
ShareBy David Torough, Abuja Nigeria’s deepening insecurity crisis has triggered fresh alarm across military, political and religious circles following the...