Yobe State has emerged as the overall best-performing state in primary healthcare delivery nationwide, following its top ranking at the third edition of the Primary Health Care (PHC) Leadership Challenge Awards, which assessed states on reforms and system strengthening.
The recognition, announced during the meeting of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), placed Yobe ahead of other states after an evaluation of political commitment, financing, service delivery and accountability in primary healthcare implementation.
According to the NGF, the awards, held on 12 December 2025, were designed to encourage peer-driven accountability and sustained leadership in strengthening frontline health systems across the country.
Further breakdown of the results showed that Zamfara, Nasarawa, Abia, Rivers and Osun States topped their respective geopolitical zones, while Kwara, Gombe, Kaduna, Anambra, Bayelsa and Ogun States emerged as first runners-up.
Commenting on the outcome, the Forum said the performance of the winning states demonstrates the impact of consistent policy direction and prioritisation of primary healthcare at the subnational level.
Chairman of the NGF and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, said the results highlight the importance of political will in driving improvements in health outcomes.
He said states would build on the gains recorded to further strengthen service delivery at the community level.
Moreover, governors at the meeting reaffirmed their commitment to deepening investments in primary healthcare, noting that resilient PHC systems remain central to improving access to quality health services, particularly for vulnerable populations.
Hence, the Forum said continued collaboration, peer learning and accountability would remain key to sustaining progress in primary healthcare delivery nationwide.