A review of budget performance documents has revealed that Kebbi, Jigawa, and Katsina states collectively spent a shocking N3.512 billion on refreshments, meals, and honorarium between January and September 2024. This lavish expenditure occurred despite these states being home to over 7.17 million impoverished residents.
According to data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Jigawa has 2.46 million poor residents, Katsina has 2.80 million, and Kebbi accounts for 1.91 million. This alarming situation raises questions about the priorities of these state governments, especially when their citizens are grappling with poverty and deprivation.
In Jigawa State, N381.9 million was spent on refreshments and meals, while N1.419 billion went toward honorarium and sitting allowances. Kebbi State allocated N147.8 million for refreshments and meals and an additional N1.150 billion for honorarium and allowances. Katsina State, on the other hand, spent N335.6 million on refreshments and meals, with N78.2 million going toward honorarium and sitting allowances.
The spending patterns in these states contrast sharply with the harsh realities faced by their citizens. For instance, in Jigawa, 43% of school-age children lack access to education, while the figures are 45% in Kebbi and 38% in Katsina. Sanitation access is also dismal, with 73% of households in Jigawa lacking sanitary facilities, 79% in Kebbi, and 61% in Katsina.
Clean water is another major challenge. In Katsina, 39% of households lack access to clean drinking water, while the situation is worse in Kebbi, where 68% of households face the same issue.
Concerns over financial mismanagement in Nigerian states are growing, particularly as funds remain scarce and developmental needs are urgent. These three states collectively owe N49 billion in domestic debt and $194 million in external debt, raising further questions about their financial prudence.
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