CIAPS RANKING CONFIRMS BAGO’S TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP AS NIGER EMERGES AMONG NIGERIA’S BEST-GOVERNED STATES
Minna | 5th June 2026
The ranking of Niger State as the 4th best-performing state in Nigeria in the 2025 Commonwealth Institute of Advanced and Professional Studies (CIAPS) Governance Performance Index (CGPI) is a strong endorsement of the transformative leadership of Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago.
With a governance score of 65.1%, placing behind only Kaduna, Delta, and Anambra States, the ranking reflects the remarkable strides recorded across critical sectors of governance, infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare, education, employment generation, and economic development.
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Since assuming office, His Excellency, Farmer Mohammed Umaru Bago has embarked on one of the most ambitious development agendas in the state’s history and history of Nigeria as a sub-national. His administration is delivering over 1,200 kilometers of ongoing federal and state road projects, ensuring that every Local Government Area benefits from a minimum of five kilometers of road construction. This effort is complemented by the construction of six strategic flyovers, pedestrian bridges, culverts, and extensive urban renewal initiatives designed to modernize cities, open up communities, and improve connectivity across the state.
In the healthcare sector, more than 2,000 health workers have been recruited to strengthen service delivery, while 20 Level-2 Primary Healthcare Centres have been completed and fully functional, alongside the ongoing construction of 54 additional facilities to expand access to quality healthcare, particularly in rural communities. The renovation and equipping of the IBB Specialist Hospital, Minna, with 20 visiting consultants, has further strengthened tertiary healthcare delivery, enabling advanced medical procedures including brain surgery, knee replacement, and other specialized interventions.
Education has also received significant attention through sustained investments in school infrastructure, learning facilities, and policies aimed at improving access to quality education. These interventions are laying a strong foundation for human capital development and preparing a new generation of skilled and productive citizens capable of driving long-term growth.
The administration’s agricultural revolution has gained national and international recognition through strategic interventions aimed at transforming Niger State into an agro-industrial powerhouse. The state has been approved as a Special Agro-Processing Zone (SAPZ) and enlisted among 10 beneficiary states of a $29.62 million investment by the African Development Bank (AfDB). The project, with anticipated infrastructural participation from Chinese investors, is expected to accelerate agro-industrial development, strengthen value chains, and position Niger State as a leading hub for agribusiness and food processing in West Africa. In addition, tractors, combine harvesters, and farm inputs have been distributed across all 25 Local Government Areas, significantly boosting food production and empowering farmers.
Beyond infrastructure and agriculture, Governor Bago’s administration has consistently prioritized the welfare and economic empowerment of citizens. Over 10,000 graduates have been employed into the Niger State Civil Service, strengthening public sector capacity while creating opportunities for young professionals. In addition, about ₦7 billion has been disbursed for the payment of gratuities, reflecting a strong commitment to honoring obligations to retirees. The ongoing urban renewal programme has further become a major driver of economic activity, generating over 100,000 direct and indirect jobs while stimulating local businesses and expanding opportunities across communities. Complementary humanitarian interventions and empowerment programmes for youths, women, and traders continue to improve livelihoods and reduce poverty levels.
The remodelling of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport, Minna, and the commencement of commercial flight and Hajj operations further demonstrate the administration’s commitment to positioning Niger State as a strategic hub for investment, commerce, tourism, and regional connectivity. Combined with sustained efforts to attract local and foreign investors through improved infrastructure and business-friendly policies, these initiatives are unlocking new economic opportunities and driving inclusive growth.
The CIAPS ranking serves as an independent validation of these achievements and highlights a leadership style anchored on vision, execution, inclusiveness, and measurable results. More importantly, it reflects a government that is not only building infrastructure but also expanding employment, strengthening institutions, attracting investment, and improving the overall quality of life of its people. As Niger State continues its transformation journey, this national recognition stands as a testament to Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago’s commitment to building a prosperous, modern, and economically competitive state for present and future generations.
#NewNiger #SaiBago #APC #RenewedHope #StrongerTogether
Oluwatosin Ogunkuade Jasper
Coordinator, Documentation Unit, Governor’s Office, Niger State
Minna | 5th June 2026
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER, JUNE 5TH 2026)
