Bauchi and Kano States have allocated a combined total of 12.3 billion naira for the reconstruction of their respective Houses of Assembly in the 2025 budget. While Kano State plans to spend 4.5 billion naira on the project, Bauchi State has set aside 7.8 billion naira, according to WikkiTimes findings.
Bauchi State
On February 11, 2025, the Bauchi State government approved 7.8 billion naira for the reconstruction of its House of Assembly Complex. Danlami Kawule, the Commissioner for Housing and Environment, confirmed the approval following a State Executive Council (SEC) meeting presided over by Governor Bala Mohammed.
Kawule explained that the reconstruction aims to modernize the Assembly complex, enhance legislative efficiency, and provide a conducive working environment for lawmakers and officials.
He stated, “The council has ratified a memorandum for the renovation and reconstruction of the Bauchi State House of Assembly complex, an initiative championed by Governor Bala Mohammed to create a more conducive environment for members of the Assembly and the Assembly Commission.”
However, the allocation of such a significant budget has sparked public debate, particularly given the state’s ongoing fiscal challenges and pressing needs in critical sectors like health and education. Critics argue that the timing of this expenditure raises questions about the state’s fiscal priorities.
The reconstruction project will include new offices for the Speaker, Deputy Speaker, Committee Chairmen, and Directors, as well as additional structures for the Assembly Commission. Yet, with the state facing urgent needs in healthcare and education, the decision has drawn scrutiny over whether the funds could have been better allocated.
Kano State
Meanwhile, Kano State has allocated 4 billion naira for the construction of a new Assembly Complex at Audu Bako, as outlined in its 2025 approved budget. Additionally, 200 million naira has been earmarked for the renovation of the Legislative Guest House in Kano. Other related projects include the renovation of the official residences of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker, costing 200 million naira and 100 million naira, respectively.
Fiscal Concerns
The Bauchi State government had previously spent billions of naira on reconstruction of Bauchi State Government House, far exceeding the initial budget of 6.1 billion naira. This inflated expenditure has drawn criticism regarding the state’s fiscal management and transparency. It also highlights a troubling trend of projects being severely under-budgeted, with actual costs often surpassing initial estimates.
In the 2024 budget, Bauchi State approved 50 million naira for the renovation of the complex, but the project was not implemented. Similarly, in the 2023 budget, 200 million naira was allocated for the renovation of the complex and the reconstruction of the office complex at the legislative house but was not implemented.
Financial Priorities
Bauchi and Kano States, like many others in Nigeria, faces limited resources, necessitating careful prioritization of spending. Analysts argue that large-scale projects such as the reconstruction of the State House of Assembly and the Government House should be balanced against urgent needs in health and education.
Health Sector Crisis
Kano and Bauchi states’ health sector is in dire straits, with many hospitals lacking basic equipment, essential medicines, and qualified healthcare workers. Maternal and infant mortality rates remain alarmingly high, and rural healthcare services are virtually non-existent. Healthcare workers are underpaid, leading to high turnover rates and a severe shortage of medical staff.
Education Sector Neglect
In the two states, the education sector is similarly neglected. Public schools are overcrowded, poorly equipped, and often housed in dilapidated buildings. Many lack basic amenities such as functional toilets and clean drinking water. The shortage of qualified teachers and resources has severely impacted the quality of education, particularly in rural areas.
Critics argue that the allocation of billions of naira to enhance lawmakers’ working conditions should not take precedence over addressing the urgent health and education needs of the citizens.
