Top 3 Worst-Governed States in Nigeria

A UK group has ranked Zamfara, Kwara, and Benue as the worst-governed states in Nigeria between 2023 and 2025. 

The report says public services are failing, insecurity is getting worse, and federal funds are not turning into real development that people can see.

The findings come from the Good Governance Rating Index (GGRI), a UK-based organisation that studied government records, audit reports, citizen feedback, and field surveys collected from May 2023 to August 2025. 

It assessed each state in health, education, roads and infrastructure, jobs and the economy, transparency, and security.

Here are the top 3 Worst-Governed States in Nigeria:

Zamfara

According to the group, Zamfara performed the worst overall. It describes the state as lacking a clear development plan while facing deep insecurity and frequent abductions.

Roads, schools, and clinics are in poor condition, many rural children are out of school, and funds set aside for security have not produced visible results.

Kwara

Kwara is placed second worst. The report states that the economy and social indicators have largely stagnated despite numerous promises of reform.

It highlights old and failing infrastructure in Ilorin and other towns, an unreliable water supply, limited public housing, a shortage of teachers and learning materials in schools, and understaffed health centres, especially in rural areas.

Benue

Benue ranks third. The assessment links the state’s struggles to ongoing insecurity, rising poverty, and weak governance.

It points to abandoned or non-functional schools and hospitals, slow progress in resettling displaced people, a sluggish local economy, and widespread reports of corruption.