As 2025 comes to a close, assessing gubernatorial performance remains subjective—no single official national index crowns “best” governors. Evaluations draw from public opinion, media analyses, independent reports (e.g., BudgIT fiscal rankings), and visible impacts in infrastructure, education, healthcare, security, economic growth, and fiscal management amid national challenges like inflation and insecurity.
Based on consistent praise across multiple 2025 sources—including citizen feedback, awards, and sectoral achievements—here are five governors widely regarded as top performers this year (in no strict order):
Alex Otti (Abia State, Labour Party)
Frequently ranked as Nigeria’s top governor in 2025 surveys and analyses. Otti transformed Abia through aggressive infrastructure revival (e.g., long-neglected roads in Aba), timely worker payments, improved security, and economic reforms that attracted investment. His administration’s transparency and focus on ending decades of stagnation earned nationwide acclaim, positioning him as a model for non-major-party governance.
Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos State, APC)
Consistently highlighted for advancing Lagos as Nigeria’s economic hub. Key 2025 wins included expanding the rail network (Blue and Red Lines progress), urban renewal projects, smart education initiatives, and enhanced healthcare/emergency services under the THEMES+ agenda. Despite managing a mega-city’s complexities, his infrastructure and transportation strides stood out.
AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (Kwara State, APC)
Praised for fiscal discipline—Kwara often ranked high in transparency and accountability indices. Achievements included revolutionary education reforms (KwaraLEARN tech-driven program), major road/rural infrastructure, water/electrification projects, and strong governance that improved public trust and service delivery.
Peter Mbah (Enugu State, PDP/APC post-defection)
Emerged as the standout in the South East per mid-2025 evaluations. Allocated over 33% of budgets to education (exceeding UNESCO benchmarks), advanced water/security initiatives, and drove economic/infrastructure growth with verifiable outcomes, setting a balanced development benchmark.
Uba Sani (Kaduna State, APC) Recognized for tackling insecurity head-on while pushing education, economic empowerment, and rural development. His focus on peace-building in a volatile region, alongside investments in human capital and infrastructure, earned him spots on multiple “transformational leaders” lists.