Ekiti’s transparency reforms validated 

Reacting to the development, Commissioner for Information, Taiwo Olatunbosun, said the ranking further validated the Governor Biodun Oyebanji administration’s deliberate commitment to open governance, institutional accountability and citizen participation.

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He said: “Ekiti State’s recognition in the 2025 GATI Report is another strong validation of the transparency and accountability reforms being implemented by this administration. It shows that our commitment to open and responsible governance is being acknowledged by credible independent organisations.”

Olatunbosun noted that the latest ranking aligned with earlier independent assessments by civic organisations that monitored governance standards across the country.

“The BudgIT Foundation has also ranked Ekiti State first in Nigeria for fiscal transparency across four quarters of 2025. This reflects the state’s consistent top-tier performance in open governance, timely auditing and public disclosure of financial records, further cementing its status as a leader in fiscal responsibility,” he said.

The commissioner added that the recognition reinforced Ekiti State’s growing reputation for prudent public financial management and transparent governance.

“This recognition did not come by accident. Over time, respected civic organisations, including BudgIT and other governance monitors, have consistently ranked Ekiti among states making significant progress in fiscal transparency and accountability. The latest GATI report further reinforces that trajectory.”

Olatunbosun said the state government had continued to strengthen reforms aimed at improving access to public information, deepening participatory governance, enhancing procurement transparency and ensuring responsible management of public resources.

“Our administration believes transparency is the foundation of good governance. When citizens can see how decisions are made and how public resources are utilised, trust in government grows and development becomes more inclusive.”

Commending GOMEP Nigeria for establishing the Governance Accountability and Transparency Index, the commissioner described the initiative as a credible democratic accountability tool that encouraged higher governance standards and healthy competition among states.

He says the state government sees the recognition not merely as an achievement, but as a responsibility to sustain and deepen transparency reforms.

“We appreciate this recognition, but more importantly, we see it as a motivation to continue strengthening our institutions and governance systems. Our focus remains on ensuring that transparency, accountability and service to the people remain the guiding principles of governance in Ekiti State.”

Olatunbosun reaffirmed the commitment of the administration of Governor Oyebanji to sustaining policies that promote transparent governance, prudent management of public resources and inclusive development, for the benefit of citizens.