States Must Turn Rising Revenue Into Better Schools, Hospitals and Roads
State governments have gained more resources and must now deliver visible improvements in people’s lives. Higher public revenue should mean better schools, hospitals, roads, water supply and support for vulnerable residents. According to the World Bank’s October 2026 Nigeria Development Update, states’ revenues rose by 93 per cent in real terms between 2023 and 2025. Their spending rose by 92 per cent, while the share allocated to capital projects increased from 46 per cent to 61 per cent. However, spending must be judged by results, not by project announcements. Education’s share of state expenditure fell from 14.9 per cent in 2021 to 12.1 per cent in 2025, while health spending remained around seven per cent. States must balance infrastructure with properly equipped schools, qualified teachers, functioning hospitals and clean water. Governors should publish clear budgets, project costs, payment records and completion timelines. State assemblies, auditors, journalists, civil society groups and residents must also demand accountability. More public revenue is a responsibility, and Nigerians deserve services that reflect it.
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