A civil society group, the Elites Network for Sustainable Development (ENetSuD), has raised concerns over the lack of basic amenities in Asa Local Government Area (LGA) of Kwara State, despite the council receiving over ₦11.8 billion in federal allocations between 2020 and 2023.
According to a report obtained by Chronicles Reporters, ENetSuD disclosed that many communities in the area are without access to potable water, schools, and other essential services. The organization described Asa as a “bankrupt LGA in Kwara State.”
The breakdown of funds allocated to Asa LGA over the four-year period is as follows:
In 2020, the council received ₦2,303,786,438.
In 2021, the allocation was ₦2,456,082,916.
In 2022, the amount increased to ₦3,120,970,585.
By 2023, the allocation rose to ₦3,925,465,813.
Despite these significant funds, ENetSuD revealed shocking statistics about the state of the communities in the LGA:
109 communities lack access to potable water.
259 communities have no electricity.
176 communities are without primary schools.
383 communities lack secondary schools.
369 communities are without primary health centers.
131 communities have no GSM network coverage.
411 communities require road construction.
Farmers in 430 communities need agricultural support or training.
Artisans in 430 communities require empowerment programs.
ENetSuD further disclosed that Asa LGA relied on ₦2,281,393,519 in support from solvent LGAs within the state to sustain itself during this period.
The organization called for a comprehensive investigation into how the funds allocated to the LGA over the years were utilized, stressing the need for accountability from the local government’s successive administrations.
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