Bauchi spends N5.7bn on vehicles for public officials amid out-of-school children crisis
By Aminu Abubakar
Amid the deepening challenge of out-of-school children in Bauchi State, a budget performance review by SolaceBase has revealed questionable government spending priorities that have sparked outrage among civil society groups and citizens. The report shows that in just six months of 2025, the Bauchi State government spent a staggering N5.737 billion on the purchase of exotic vehicles for public office holders, while allocations to key education institutions and social services remain far lower.
According to the project description in the budget document, the purchase covered “Forty assorted units of official motor vehicles for commoners and public office holders.” This level of expenditure stands in sharp contrast to the state’s poor educational outcomes. Data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) in its Multidimensional Poverty Index shows that 54% of children in Bauchi households lack access to basic education, one of the highest figures nationwide.
Vehicles vs. Education Spending
While N5.7 billion was splashed on 40 vehicles, the government allocated just N1.9 billion to its Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) within the same period. Similarly, Bauchi State University (Sa’adu Zungur University, Gadau) received N2.2 billion, while the Aminu Saleh College of Education, Azare, was funded with N1.6 billion—both amounts significantly lower than what was spent on vehicles for officials.
Stakeholders say this imbalance underscores misplaced priorities. For a state grappling with poverty, high illiteracy rates, and inadequate infrastructure, spending more on cars than classrooms raises serious questions about fiscal prudence.
Extravagant Furniture and Generators
The review further highlights eyebrow-raising allocations. The Bauchi State House of Assembly Commission plans to spend N20 million on just ten office chairs and ten tables, amounting to N2 million per set. Additionally, the Commission is set to procure a Mikano generator at N30 million, while two more Mikano generators earmarked for the House of Assembly itself are budgeted at N184 million—bringing the total to N214 million for just three generators.
The spree doesn’t stop there. Another N132.2 million is earmarked for the purchase of 32 chairs and 32 tables for Honourable members’ offices, translating to more than N2 million per set on average.
Billions for Allowances and Refreshments
Perhaps more controversial is the allocation of N1.367 billion for “Refreshments and Meals (Statewide)” and N3.191 billion for “Honorarium and Sitting Allowances (Statewide).” These funds cover allowances for government officials’ meetings, attendance, and other compensations. Analysts argue that while officials are being comfortably catered for, the majority of Bauchi residents continue to grapple with poverty, poor infrastructure, and lack of access to social services.
What Could N5.7 Billion Have Done?
Budget analysts have sought to put the N5.7 billion in perspective. According to the state’s own budget estimates, building three blocks of classrooms costs N250 million. By that measure, the amount already spent on vehicles in six months could have constructed 22 classroom blocks—enough to significantly reduce overcrowding in public schools.
Similarly, the state budgeted N2.7 million for drilling a single borehole. With N5.7 billion, the government could have drilled 2,124 boreholes, providing clean water access to thousands of households in rural communities that currently lack safe drinking water.
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Civil society advocates say such comparisons illustrate how resources are being diverted from projects that could directly impact citizens’ welfare toward luxury items for a privileged few.
The controversy in Bauchi mirrors a broader pattern across many Nigerian states, where budgetary allocations to critical sectors like education, health, and water supply often take a back seat to expenditures on official comfort. Experts say this trend undermines sustainable development and perpetuates cycles of poverty and inequality.
Analysts warn that unless citizens demand greater accountability, states may continue to prioritize political elites over the population’s basic needs. “Budgets are moral documents,” a public finance expert noted. “They show what governments truly value. Sadly, what we are seeing in Bauchi is a government that values cars, furniture, and allowances more than classrooms and children.”
As Bauchi grapples with one of the highest numbers of out-of-school children in Nigeria, revelations of its extravagant spending on vehicles and office comforts highlight a worrying disconnect between leadership priorities and citizens’ needs.
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