The Katsina State Government has allocated N9.39 billion for vehicle purchases, office furniture, and the renovation of the governor’s lodge in its 2025 budget, recently signed by Governor Umar Dikko Radda.
A review of the budget appropriation document by WikkiTimes reveals that N3 billion has been earmarked for the purchase of official and other vehicles for the Office of the Head of Civil Service (OHCS), while an additional N300 million is set aside for furniture. This brings the total allocation for the office to N3.3 billion for the year in just the OHCS.
For comparison, the same office spent N4.41 billion on furniture and vehicles between January and October 2024, according to budget performance report.
Similarly, the Ministry of Special Duties, through its Department of Inter-Governmental and Development Partners, has appropriated N6.09 billion for projects including the renovation of the governor’s lodge and additions to Katsina House in Abuja.
A breakdown of this expenditure shows N2.04 billion for maintaining the liaison office and government quarters; N50 million for renovating the governor’s lodge while N4 billion for constructing additional structures at Katsina House, Abuja.
in the same vein, the sum of N920.49 million was spent on similar projects between January and October 2024 which raised concerns about the sharp increase in expenditure for the current year.
The massive allocation for vehicle procurement and government facility renovations comes amid mounting socio-economic challenges in the state, where residents grapple with insecurity, poverty, and poor infrastructure.
Observers question the government’s spending priorities, urging a more transparent and accountable budgetary process that focuses on pressing developmental needs rather than administrative luxuries.
