By Aminu Abubakar

A review of Jigawa State’s budget performance document by SolaceBase for the first quarter of 2025 (January to March) has raised questions on government spending priorities.

The document shows that a total of N576 million was spent on honorarium and sitting allowances for officials during this period.

In comparison, significantly less funding was allocated to a critical area of development—access to clean water. The same document reveals that only N72.8 million was spent on the construction and provision of new water facilities in the state. While an additional N446.1 million was recorded for the rehabilitation and repairs of existing water infrastructure, the total spending on water supply infrastructure still trails the amount spent on allowances.

Read Also: Security Budget 2024: Kano, Katsina outspend others in Northwest, Jigawa trails

This spending pattern comes at a time when water and sanitation challenges remain critical in the state. According to recent data, 12% of households in Jigawa still lack access to clean drinking water, while a staggering 73% do not have access to sanitary facilities. These figures paint a concerning picture of the state’s basic public health and infrastructure conditions.

Water and sanitation are inextricably linked to public health outcomes. Inadequate investment in these sectors increases the risk of waterborne diseases, which can have devastating effects on vulnerable populations. In regions where water infrastructure is poor, residents often resort to using contaminated water sources, resulting in the spread of illnesses such as cholera, dysentery, and typhoid fever. These diseases are largely preventable with proper infrastructure and timely intervention.

The consequences of underinvestment in water infrastructure were tragically illustrated in September 2024, when Jigawa State was hit by a suspected cholera outbreak that claimed several lives. Women and children, who are often the most affected by poor water and sanitation conditions, were reportedly the hardest hit by the epidemic. The outbreak triggered fear and mourning across multiple local government areas.

Gatafa village in Auyo Local Government Area emerged as one of the worst-hit communities.  Other affected communities within Auyo LGA include Auyakayi, Muran, Tsidir, Shawara, Tsaka, Majiya, Ayama, Anauya, and Kalgwai. All of these areas reported fatalities and a fast-spreading infection, prompting calls for urgent government action.

Public health experts argue that such outbreaks could be mitigated—or entirely prevented—with strategic investment in clean water supply and improved sanitation systems. 

It was noted that when a government spends more on allowances than on lifesaving infrastructure, it reflects a misalignment of priorities.” 

Read Also: Amid out-of-school children and water scarcity, Sokoto approves N1.6bn for lawmakers’ vehicles in 2025

Over time, experts have stated that preventing cholera requires more than just emergency response—it requires continuous investment in clean water and hygiene education.”

Critics of the budget implementation say that the government must re-evaluate its spending patterns if it hopes to meet Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6, which aims to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all by 2030. With less than five years left to achieve this global target, states like Jigawa need to scale up efforts in water infrastructure and hygiene promotion drastically.

In times before now, transparency and accountability advocates have questioned the rationale behind high expenditures on allowances, especially during a time of economic challenges and pressing health needs.

As Jigawa State prepares its mid-year budget review, citizens, civil society organizations, and development partners are urging the government to prioritize human capital development through investments in clean water, healthcare, and education. 

Instances such as a cholera outbreak is a painful reminder that the cost of neglecting essential infrastructure is paid in lives lost and communities devastated.

It has also been stated that there should be deliberate and sustained efforts to improve access to clean water and sanitation.

This, advocates have noted, would help mitigate avoidable public health crises—crises that disproportionately affect the most vulnerable and hinder the state’s overall development.