Nigeria is a country blessed with abundant natural resources, diverse cultures, and a population of over 200 million people.
With its vast landmass and numerous ethnic groups, the governance of the country’s 36 states is of utmost importance.
In recent years, some governors have distinguished themselves in providing good governance, infrastructural development, and public service delivery.
However, some others have been criticized for mismanaging resources, corruption, and poor leadership.
In this article, we will be ranking the top seven governors in Nigeria based on their performance in office, public opinion, and other factors.
This ranking is not intended to be a definitive measure of the governors’ performance but rather an objective assessment of their achievements and shortcomings.
So, buckle up as we take a closer look at the top seven governors in Nigeria.
Criteria for Ranking Governors
Before we delve into the ranking of the top seven governors in Nigeria, it is essential to establish the criteria for the ranking. The criteria used for this ranking include:
1. Infrastructural Development: This includes the provision of basic amenities such as roads, water, electricity, and healthcare facilities.
2. Public Service Delivery: This includes the delivery of quality education, security, and social services to the citizens of the state.
3. Transparency and Accountability: This includes the governor’s commitment to transparency and accountability in governance.
4. Economic Growth: This includes the governor’s efforts in attracting investments, creating job opportunities, and improving the state’s economy.
5. Public Opinion: This includes the perception of the governor’s performance by the citizens of the state.
Top 7 Governors in Nigeria
7: Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State
Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State is the seventh governor on our list.
Ganduje was elected in 2015 and re-elected for a second term in 2019.
He has been praised for his efforts in improving the state’s economy and providing basic amenities to the citizens.
Under his leadership, Kano State has experienced significant infrastructural development, including the construction of new roads and bridges.
However, his administration has been criticized for alleged corruption, particularly a bribery scandal that surfaced in 2018.
Ganduje was also criticized for his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic in the state, as he was accused of not taking the pandemic seriously.
6: Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State
Babagana Zulum is the governor of Borno State and is ranked sixth on our list. He was elected in 2019, succeeding Kashim Shettima.
Zulum has been praised for his efforts in rebuilding Borno State, which has been ravaged by the Boko Haram insurgency.
Under his leadership, the state has experienced significant infrastructural development, including the renovation of schools and hospitals.
Zulum has also been commended for his commitment to the welfare of the citizens, particularly in the provision of food and other relief materials.
However, his administration has been criticized for security lapses, particularly the frequent attacks by Boko Haram insurgents.
5: Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State
Kayode Fayemi is the governor of Ekiti State and is ranked fifth on our list. He was elected in 2018, succeeding Ayodele Fayose.
Fayemi has been praised for his efforts in improving the state’s economic growth and providing quality education to the citizens.
Under his leadership, Ekiti State has experienced significant infrastructural development, including the construction of new roads and bridges.
Fayemi has also been commended for his commitment to transparency and accountability in governance.
However, his administration has been criticized for not doing enough to address the security challenges in the state, particularly the frequent clashes between farmers and herders.
4: Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State
Godwin Obaseki is the governor of Edo State and is ranked fourth on our list. He was elected in 2016, succeeding Adams Oshiomhole.
Obaseki has been praised for his efforts in improving the state’s economy and providing basic amenities to the citizens.
Under his leadership, Edo State has experienced significant infrastructural development, including the construction of new roads and bridges.
Obaseki has also been commended for his commitment to transparency and accountability in governance.
However, his administration has been criticized for alleged high-handedness and his handling of the political crisis that ensued between him and his predecessor, Adams Oshiomhole.
3: Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State
Nyesom Wike is the governor of Rivers State and is ranked third on our list. He was elected in 2015 and re-elected for a second term in 2019.
Wike has been praised for his efforts in improving the state’s economy and providing basic amenities to the citizens.
Under his leadership, Rivers State has experienced significant infrastructural development, including the construction of new roads and bridges.
Wike has also been commended for his commitment to transparency and accountability in governance.
However, his administration has been criticized for alleged high-handedness and his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic in the state.
2: Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State
Babajide Sanwo-Olu is the governor of Lagos State and is ranked second on our list. He was elected in 2019, succeeding Akinwunmi Ambode.
Sanwo-Olu has been praised for his efforts in improving the state’s economy and providing basic amenities to the citizens.
Under his leadership, Lagos State has experienced significant infrastructural development, including the construction of new roads and bridges.
Sanwo-Olu has also been commended for his commitment to transparency and accountability in governance.
However, his administration has been criticized for not doing enough to address the security challenges in the state, particularly the frequent cases of kidnapping and robbery.
1: Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State
Seyi Makinde is the governor of Oyo State and is ranked first on our list. He was elected in 2019, succeeding Abiola Ajimobi.
Makinde has been praised for his efforts in improving the state’s economy and providing quality education to the citizens.
Under his leadership, Oyo State has experienced significant infrastructural development, including the construction of new roads and bridges.
Makinde has also been commended for his commitment to transparency and accountability in governance.
He has also been proactive in addressing the security challenges in the state, particularly the frequent cases of kidnapping and robbery.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the governance of Nigeria’s 36 states is of utmost importance, as it affects the growth and development of the country. The ranking of the top seven governors in Nigeria is an objective assessment of their achievements and shortcomings.
It is essential that the governors continue to strive towards good governance, transparency, and accountability, as these are the bedrock of sustainable development. The citizens also have a crucial role to play in holding their leaders accountable and demanding good governance. Together, we can build a better Nigeria.
Article updated 2 months ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
