By Favour Bibaikefie

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In a significant development highlighting the progress of state governance in Nigeria, Delta State has been ranked among the top 10 states in governance transparency and accountability according to the 2024 Governance Accountability and Transparency Index (G.A.T.I). The report was unveiled by the Guild of Online Media Editors and Publishers (G.O.M.E.P), a consortium of over 75 seasoned media professionals dedicated to promoting transparency and good governance across Nigeria.

The G.A.T.I report, which is set to become an annual benchmark, evaluates the performance of all 36 state governments in Nigeria based on seven critical indices. This year, Delta joined Lagos, Kwara, Ekiti, Anambra, Enugu, Benue, Akwa Ibom, Borno, and Osun in Category A, achieving scores between 85% and 100%, indicating “Exceptional Performance.”

Key Areas of Assessment

The G.A.T.I framework focuses on seven measurable indicators:

1. Public Access to Information: This includes the enforcement of Freedom of Information laws, accessibility of government websites, and availability of open data portals.

2. Budget Transparency: Assessing access to budget documents, citizen engagement in budget processes, and clarity of expenditures.

3. Audit and Oversight: Reviewing the independence of audit institutions and effectiveness of parliamentary oversight.

4. Anti-Corruption Efforts: Evaluating whistleblower protection laws and anti-corruption measures.

5. Government Responsiveness: Measuring how quickly and effectively governments respond to citizen inquiries.

6. Procurement Transparency: Examining the openness of tender processes and availability of contract information.

7. Media Freedom: Gauging press freedom and the safety of journalists.

A Rigorous Assessment

At a media briefing in Abuja on November 26, 2024, G.O.M.E.P’s National President, Dr. Dozie Nwankodu, emphasized the comprehensive methodology employed in the project. The evaluation process incorporated citizen surveys, analysis of government documents, expert consultations, and statistical data analysis. Scores were determined by combining performance across all indices and calculating an average.

Dr. Nwankodu noted that states scoring between 85% and 100% were classified under Category A, denoting exceptional performance. Category B reflected strong performance (65%-84%), while lower scores were assigned to categories indicating average to poor governance.

Comrade Akpovoke Treasure Otiti, the Chairman of this year’s Appraisal Committee, highlighted the extensive data collection effort, which involved gathering 350 data points per state across the seven indices, amounting to 12,600 data points nationwide. Despite security challenges in some regions, G.O.M.E.P’s field agents ensured the collection of reliable and credible data.

Encouraging Accountability

G.O.M.E.P Deputy President, Mr. Jare Ismahil Tiamiyu, stressed the significance of transparency and accountability in governance. He remarked that the G.A.T.I initiative serves as a vital tool for assessing the effectiveness of state governments and promoting healthy competition among states to improve governance.

The group announced plans to make the index an annual exercise, extending its scrutiny to federal ministries and the National Assembly in future editions. Certificates of Merit will also be awarded to the top-performing states as a gesture of encouragement.

As the nation anticipates subsequent editions of the G.A.T.I report, it remains clear that initiatives like this are essential for fostering responsible governance and sustainable development in Nigeria.

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