The Nigerian Local Government Integrity Index has released a new report ranking states according to their vulnerability to corruption and governance risk, with Rivers State emerging as the most at-risk and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, recording the lowest risk score.
According to the 2025 ranking released on September 23, Rivers scored 92 points, followed closely by Imo (90), Bayelsa (89), Borno (88), and Zamfara (87) — all featuring among the top five states most susceptible to corruption at the local government level.
At the other end of the spectrum, Abuja (55) ranked as the least at-risk, followed by Lagos (56), Nasarawa (57), Jigawa (58), and Kaduna (59), indicating relatively stronger governance and accountability systems within their local councils.
The index, which measures corruption and governance risks across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, is based on the average integrity and transparency levels of Local Government Areas (LGAs). A higher score reflects higher corruption risk and weaker governance.
The report has stirred national conversation, with citizens asked to reflect on which state’s ranking surprised them the most and what steps their local governments could take to improve transparency and accountability.
Top 10 states most at risk of corruption: Rivers (92), Imo (90), Bayelsa (89), Borno (88), Zamfara (87), Kogi (86), Niger (85), Sokoto (84), Katsina (83), and Oyo (82).
The Integrity Index aims to encourage reform, accountability, and citizen participation in governance at the grassroots level.
