Gombe State has once again been recognised as a top-tier performer in fiscal transparency and accountability, ranking second nationwide with an impressive 99 out of 100 points, according to BudgIT’s latest Subnational Transparency Assessment.

The ranking, which evaluated fiscal transparency across the 36 states and the FCT in the second quarter of 2025, placed Gombe among the “Progressive Performers,” second only to Ekiti State, which led with a single point higher.

The report attributed this remarkable performance to Gombe State’s “strong commitment to openness and accountability” in the implementation of projects and policies under the leadership of Governor Muhammadu Yahaya.

This was contained in a press statement sent by Director General Press Affairs Ismaila Misilli, obtained on Wednesday by our correspondent.

Gombe excelled particularly in the timely publication of critical fiscal documents, including its Approved Budget, Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), Citizens’ Budget, and Quarterly Budget Implementation Reports (BIRs).

“The state also stood out for maintaining an updated e-procurement portal and a functional website with fiscal data, ensuring easy public access to financial information,” the report noted.

This unprecedented achievement reflects the sustained efforts of Governor Inuwa Yahaya, who has made open governance and transparency in policy and project implementation a cornerstone of his leadership.

The governor’s commitment to transparency and accountability is instilling fiscal discipline and giving citizens clear insight into how their resources are being managed and spent.

Misilli’s statement added, “In a country where fiscal secrecy often hinders progress, Gombe State’s strides have positioned it as a model of transparency and smart resource management. Its commitment to good governance is winning the trust of citizens, attracting investors and drawing in support from development partners.”

With Gombe already excelling in most of the indices, the state is on course to maintain its leadership in fiscal transparency and continue to be a benchmark for governance reforms across Nigeria.

On August 21, 2025, PUNCH Online reported that BudgIT had accused the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Budget Office of the Federation of flouting the Fiscal Responsibility Act, 2007, by failing to publish Quarterly Budget Implementation Reports.

In a release by BudgIT’s Group Senior Communications Associate, Nancy Odimegwu, and made available to PUNCH Online, the group described the omission as a breach of law, a departure from established practice, and a setback to transparency reforms championed by previous administrations.

Tango Brook Technologies has launched the Tango Fuel Card, a digital fuel management system designed to give individuals and corporate customers greater transparency, control and rewards in managing fuel expenditure.

In a statement on Tuesday, the company said the Tango Fuel Card provides access to physical payment cards accepted at fuel stations nationwide, alongside tools, detailed reports, analytics and devices that help households and organisations track and optimise fuel use while curbing fraud.

The system, according to the company, can reduce fuel theft by up to 95 per cent, prevent leaks before they occur, set usage limits and prevent unauthorised spending. Customers can also access real-time transaction details, including exact volumes purchased per transaction, to enhance financial management.

Managing Director of Tango Brook Technologies, Obi Wemambu, said, “The Tango Fuel Card transforms fuel management by giving businesses and individuals real-time visibility into consumption, mileage and spending at both vehicle and driver levels. With PIN protection, customisable limits and nationwide acceptance, it offers unmatched flexibility, security and convenience. Enhanced with built-in rewards, Tango delivers savings while ensuring total control.”

Chief Operating Officer of the company, Dubem Okafor, added, “With the launch of the Tango Fuel Card, we’re introducing a smarter, more secure and rewarding way for people and businesses to manage their fuelling needs. This isn’t just about payments; it’s about giving customers transparency, convenience and value every time they power their journeys. At Tango Brook, we’re committed to building solutions that make everyday essentials simpler and more rewarding.”

According to the company, users can save up to 15 per cent on fuel costs while benefiting from loyalty schemes that provide up to an eight per cent bonus on fuel budgets. The card is also positioned as a data-driven decision-making tool for businesses, offering corporate spending controls that allow employers to set budgets for drivers and ensure accountability.

To access the service, customers are required to create an account, obtain an instant wallet, and request and activate their fuel card, after which they can fuel, track, and save.

The President of Dangote Petroleum Refinery, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has said that the moribund Ajaokuta Steel Complex may never work, insisting that global technological advancements have overtaken the project.

Dangote, who spoke on Tuesday in an interview with journalists, stressed that while no nation can thrive without a functional steel industry, Ajaokuta’s prospects remain dim.

The business mogul said, “The steel we are talking about, we will definitely look at the opportunities of doing that. There is no nation that you can build without a steel industry. And honestly, between us here, Ajaokuta will not work. We can keep deceiving ourselves. We can keep being passionate about this. It’s not possible.”

Conceived in 1979, the Ajaokuta Integrated Steel Complex was designed to host a Metallurgical Process Plant, an Engineering Complex and auxiliary facilities. However, more than 45 years later, the multi-billion-dollar project has failed to take off, dogged by mismanagement and corruption.

In January 2024, PUNCH Online reported that President Bola Tinubu approved the restart of the light steel section of the plant after discussions with India’s Jindal Steel Group, which pledged $5bn investment in a new steel project in Nigeria during the G20 summit in New Delhi in September 2023.

Speaking further, Dangote, warned that Africa must avoid becoming a dumping ground for outdated industrial plans and imports that undermine job creation.

“But really, you know, come to think of it, we should be very careful, not only in Nigeria, but in the entire African continent. Because people are importing poverty into our nations and exporting our jobs out. And we have the most, you know, growing population in the world, the continent.”” he cautioned.