A review of Kogi State’s 2024 third-quarter budget performance report reveals that Governor Ododo’s administration allocated N2.9 billion towards minor capital projects and the remodelling of the Government House between January and September 2024. This expenditure surpasses the initial budget of N1.062 billion earmarked for these works in the state’s 2024 fiscal budget.
The report indicates that while only N100 million was initially allocated for minor Government House capital projects, a total of N784 million has been expended over the nine-month period. Similarly, for the structural remodelling of the Government House, the state had budgeted N962 million but ultimately spent N2.2 billion within the same timeframe. This pattern highlights the state’s consistent overshooting of budgetary limits in several areas.
For instance, N50 million was allocated for the renovation of the Speaker and other honorable members’ residential quarters. However, expenditure reached N58.7 million. Likewise, renovations for the Speaker and Deputy Speaker’s lodges were initially set at N50 million but saw an actual expenditure of N52 million in nine months. The Secretary to the State Government’s official residence and landscaping, budgeted at N10 million, incurred expenses of N13.8 million. Notably, the construction of a mosque and chapel within the Government House premises was allocated N25 million but ultimately cost the state N86.4 million.
In addition, although there was no initial budget for certain Government House projects, an unexpected N13 million was spent on these within the nine-month period.
This expenditure pattern raises concerns regarding the state’s fiscal prudence. While the Government House projects have been funded extensively, funds directed toward public projects have been comparatively limited. For instance, the state spent only N235.7 million on the rehabilitation of hospitals and health centers and N415 million on the maintenance of water facilities. Furthermore, just N327 million was allocated for the purchase of medical equipment, and N139.4 million was spent on the construction of new health centers and hospitals.
This preference for Government House projects comes amidst significant infrastructure needs in Kogi State, where 87% of households lack access to proper sanitation facilities, and 61% lack access to clean drinking water. The allocation disparities suggest an imbalance in spending priorities between state facilities and public welfare initiatives.
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