Top 10 Best Performing Governors in Nigeria 2024

Nigeria is home to 36 states, each managed by a governor responsible for the state’s governance. This article shows the governors who have excelled in their roles based on their performance since taking office. 

Here, we look into the top performing governors in Nigeria as of 2024, detailing their key achievements and contributions to their states.

Alex Otti (Abia State)

Under Governor Alex Otti’s leadership, Abia State has seen substantial advancements in healthcare, education, infrastructure, and security, aimed at fostering sustainable growth. Otti has increased healthcare funding, modernized schools, and improved road networks.

He has also enhanced security with new initiatives and boosted the economy by attracting investments. Additionally, his administration ensures timely pension payments, enhancing state workers’ welfare.

Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos State)

He launched several initiatives to support small businesses and reduce unemployment in Lagos. These include the Lagos Economic Acceleration Programme (LEAP) to aid small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, a N5 billion EduFund with First Bank, and a N1 billion fund each for businesses in tourism and agriculture sectors.

He also started projects to bridge labor skill gaps, providing training and job placements in partnership with various organizations, supporting tech businesses, and training young people in tech skills to enhance their employment prospects.

Mohammed Umar Bago (Niger State)

Governor Bago has pushed for technological advancement by supporting 1,000 students to study science in India. He transformed agriculture by starting the Total Agricultural Support Programme, which brought in modern farming equipment and developed large areas of irrigated farmland.

He has also saved N10 billion in four months through financial changes and paid off old salary debts, helping to improve education and healthcare. One of his major projects turned the Shiroro Hotel into a teaching hospital, improving medical education.

Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers State)

Governor Sim Fubara has achieved significant milestones in Rivers State, focusing on infrastructure, healthcare, and economic growth. Notable projects include the ₦195.3 billion Port Harcourt Ring Road and the ₦22 billion Trans-Kalabari Road, aimed at improving transportation and connectivity. His administration has also prioritized healthcare with the construction of a general hospital and a psychiatric hospital.

Fubara has strengthened the state’s finances by boosting Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and has taken steps to combat oil bunkering and pipeline vandalism by planning a dedicated committee. Additionally, he has emphasized peaceful local government elections and ethical governance, ensuring transparency and accountability in his administration.

Seyi Abiodun Makinde (Oyo State)

Governor Seyi Makinde’s leadership has led to significant improvements across Oyo State in areas such as infrastructure, healthcare, education, roads, security, economic development, and workers’ welfare. His administration has built modern bus terminals, improved roads, enhanced healthcare services, and upgraded schools.

Makinde has also focused on reducing crime with new security measures and boosting the economy by attracting investments and enhancing infrastructure. Moreover, his government ensures that pensions are paid on time, alongside state workers’ salaries, improving the welfare of retirees. These actions have greatly contributed to the state’s economic growth and overall development.

Uba Sani (Kaduna State)

Sani’s tenure has seen a reduction in school fees, improvement of road networks, and attraction of investors, which have collectively boosted the local economy and educational accessibility.

His administration has successfully attracted local and international investors, creating job opportunities and driving economic growth in Kaduna. Investments in agriculture, technology, and manufacturing have diversified the state’s economy, making it more resilient and sustainable.

Peter Mbah (Enugu State)

Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah has significantly improved Enugu State’s justice sector, aiming to boost investor confidence and grow the state’s GDP.

His reforms include the digitalisation of the justice system, the establishment of specialized courts for quicker justice, and training legal officers in law reporting and drafting. Additionally, he revitalized mediation centers across all local governments to promote peaceful dispute resolutions.

Babagana Umara Zulum (Borno State)

In the last three years, Governor Zulum of Borno State has invested N4.2 billion in economic support, particularly for families of Civilian Joint Task Force members killed by Boko Haram. His administration has enhanced orphan support, significantly upgraded healthcare with 300 renovated and 64 new centers, and boosted education by building 24 mega schools and hiring 1,000 teachers.

Despite ongoing threats, Governor Zulum has prioritized state development over national political ambitions, earning widespread praise for his dedication to improving Borno State.

Abba Kabir Yusuf (Kano State)

Yusuf has maintained and expanded infrastructure in Kano, enhancing urban management and services which have improved the quality of life for residents.

Yusuf’s administration has worked on strengthening the education sector, with investments in the renovation and construction of schools, the provision of learning materials, and programs aimed at increasing school enrollment. Health services have also seen improvements under his leadership, with efforts to upgrade healthcare facilities and ensure the availability of essential medicines and equipment.

Bala Mohammed (Bauchi State)

Mohammed has implemented numerous development projects, particularly in the areas of health and education, which have significantly improved the public service sector in Bauchi.

Governor Bala Mohammed’s leadership has been defined by a clear focus on inclusivity and sustainability, ensuring that the dividends of governance reach every corner of Bauchi State. His dedication to improving health, education, and infrastructure has set a foundation for long-term growth and development, making Bauchi a model for effective governance in Nigeria.