A budget review has revealed that the Kano State government, under Governor Abba Yusuf, spent N10.4 billion on office furniture and fittings in the first six months of 2024, despite having allocated only N3.9 billion for the entire fiscal year.
In contrast, the capital expenditure for water resources was just N4.2 billion during the same period.
The analysis showed that while the expenditure on office furniture was significant, other critical areas received less funding. For example, rural and community development capital expenditure was N179 million, education sector capital expenditure was N2.5 billion, higher education received N323.6 million, health capital expenditure was N959 million, and hospital/health centre rehabilitation was N1.3 billion. In total, these ministries spent N9.4 billion on capital expenditures in six months, which is still less than the amount spent on office furniture and fittings.
This prioritization of office furniture and fittings comes amid developmental challenges in Kano State, such as inadequate healthcare and chronic water shortages. It also coincides with calls for reduced government spending.
A few weeks ago, the Northern Patriotic Agenda (NPA) advised Governor Abba Yusuf to focus on state administration and delivering democratic dividends to residents. The group criticized the governor for political grandstanding and neglecting his gubernatorial duties, thereby exacerbating the suffering of Kano’s people.