In what looks suspicious, the Bauchi State government claimed it spent N15,563,026.01 million on the “renovation of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Tomb Complex” between 2023 and earlier this year, but WikkiTimes’ investigation proved otherwise.
Last year, the state government, through the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, budgeted N31,260,940.00 million for the renovation of the tomb complex. Still, its budget performance for the year ending showed that only 15.9 per cent (N4,956,000.00 million) of the fund was utilised.
This year, the budget was raised further by N4 million compared to the previous year. The budget performance also increased significantly as N10,607,026.10 million was recorded to have been expended on the renovation project in just two quarters.
Renovation Done by Federal Agencies
Despite what the Bauchi State government claimed to have spent on the tomb complex, findings showed that the state government has not attempted to renovate the edifice.
However, some federal agencies especially the North East Development Commission (NEDC) and the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) have played major roles in giving the tomb complex a facelift.
The NEDC stepped in earlier in 2024 and carried out what tour guides in the complex described as comprehensive upgrades, including the “installation of modern toilet facilities, screeding of walls, cementing of the leaking decking and general improvements of the structure.”
This renovation followed a similar intervention by the NDIC in 2020 when it provided air conditioning, solar power systems, and proper shelving for historical pictures and documents. This gesture, according to the tour guides, transformed the museum into a more organised and comfortable space for visitors.
Dark Passage, Rough Steps, Demarcated Walkways… Nigeria’s Puzzle Explained in Tafawa Balewa’s Tomb
Although the Bauchi State government claimed to have spent N15.5 million in less than two years to renovate the tomb complex despite evidence that the renovation was done by these federal agencies, it is unclear how the state utilised the fund.
WikkiTimes shared its findings with Abdul Hassan, the Bauchi State Commissioner for Tourism and Culture, asking him to explain how the N15.5 million was utilised. However, the commissioner has yet to respond to an enquiry sent to him via WhatsApp and SMS.
Tafawa Balewa: Nigeria’s Only Prime Minister
Following his assassination in a bloody coup led by Major Chuwuma Nzeogwu and Emmanuel Ifeajun, late Balewa was put to rest in an open edifice, his grave centered in an enclosed 17 feet multi-colour marble wall.
That same coup claimed the life of Sir Ahmadu Bello, Sardauna of Sokoto and Premier of the old Northern Region.
Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa holds a special place in Nigerian history as the country’s first and only prime minister. He played a pivotal role in leading Nigeria to independence and laying the foundation of modern governance. Born in 1912, Balewa rose from humble beginnings as a schoolteacher to become one of the most influential leaders in the country’s early years of nationhood. His tomb, located in Bauchi State, is more than just a final resting place; it is a symbol of the sacrifices and vision of a man who helped shape Nigeria.
Started in 1977 and commissioned in 1979, the entrance gate of the tomb was designed to signify the childhood and educational background of the late Balewa, WikkiTimes documented last year.
A museum would later be added to the complex. The museum was intended to house artefacts and documents related to Balewa’s life and achievements, but for many years, it remained underdeveloped and lacked the basic resources to serve as a proper historical centre.
