Nigeria's 36 states revenue rises 93% between 2023 and 2025, education spending share drops

The World Bank says Nigeria's 36 states recorded a 93 per cent increase in revenues between 2023 and 2025, but education received a declining share of the sector's expenditure. The finding is in the bank's latest Nigeria Development Update, which examined how increased public revenues have influenced spending priorities across the federation.

The report was made available to the News Agency of Nigeria by the World Bank in Washington D.C. According to the report, states' aggregate revenues rose by approximately 93 per cent in real terms, while expenditure increased by 92 per cent during the period.

Revenue and expenditure both grew

State revenues and spending moved at nearly the same pace. Aggregate revenue rose by about 93 per cent in real terms, while expenditure climbed by 92 per cent from 2023 to 2025.

The report looked at how the higher public revenues shaped spending priorities across the 36 states and the wider federation.

Education loses share

Despite the higher revenue, education did not get a bigger slice of state expenditure. The World Bank says education received a declining share of the sector's expenditure over the period.

Why it matters

Higher real revenues mean states have more money to spend. The report says the share going to education fell, raising questions about budget priorities as states manage larger inflows.

The report does not give a direct naira impact or a detailed state-by-state education spending figure.