By Passman Akpos
Bayelsa State has emerged as one of the four least indebted states in Nigeria, according to the latest 2025–2026 indebtedness data released by the Debt Management Office (DMO).
The ranking places Bayelsa alongside Ondo State, Yobe State, and Jigawa State as the states with the lowest debt burden among the 36 states of the federation.
The development has been described as a strong endorsement of the prudent management of public resources under the Government of Assured Prosperity led by Governor Douye Diri.
Observers say the ranking reflects the administration’s commitment to fiscal discipline, accountability, and responsible governance, especially at a time when many states continue to struggle with rising debt profiles.
Further strengthening Bayelsa’s financial reputation, 2025 reports also highlighted the state as the only one in Nigeria to achieve nearly 50 percent budget implementation in its half-year analysis—an indication of strong planning, execution, and transparency in governance.
While Bayelsa celebrated its low debt standing, Lagos State remained the highest indebted state in the country, followed by Kaduna State, Rivers State, Edo State, and Ogun State.
Full Ranking Snapshot of Nigerian States by Debt (2025)
Highest Debt States Lagos, Kaduna, Rivers, Edo, Ogun, Cross River, Bauchi, Enugu, Delta, NigerUpper-Middle Debt States Katsina, Benue, Imo, Akwa Ibom, Oyo, Ekiti, Plateau, Abia, Osun, Adamawa
Mid-Range Debt States Kano, Taraba, Sokoto, Kwara, Gombe, Kebbi, Zamfara
Lower Debt States Nasarawa, Borno, Kogi, Ebonyi, Anambra
Least Indebted States Ondo, Bayelsa, Yobe, Jigawa
The latest figures are expected to further boost public confidence in Bayelsa’s economic direction, as stakeholders continue to call for sustained investment in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and youth empowerment without plunging the state into excessive borrowing.
