Kaduna allocates N3.8bn for lawmakers’ vehicles in 2025, more than water provision, despite spending N1.59bn in 2024

A SolaceBase review of the Kaduna State-approved 2025 budget has revealed that the state government has allocated N3.8 billion for the purchase of vehicles for lawmakers.

This allocation comes even though in 2024, the state had already spent N1.5 billion on the same purpose. If the full N3.8 billion is spent in 2025, the total expenditure on lawmakers’ vehicles over two years will amount to N5.3 billion.

Breakdown of Vehicle Procurement Costs

According to the budget document, the Kaduna State Government plans to purchase 30 Toyota Camry XLEs for lawmakers. Between January and October 2024, N1.59 billion had already been spent on these vehicles, signalling that a significant portion of resources is being directed toward legislative mobility.

This budgetary decision has raised concerns about the government’s spending priorities, especially when compared to the allocation for essential public services such as water provision and infrastructure.

Water Infrastructure Budgeted Lower Than Lawmakers’ Vehicles

Despite the significant funds set aside for lawmakers’ vehicles, the Kaduna State government has allocated a lower amount for critical water infrastructure projects in 2025.

A total of N2.9 billion has been earmarked for the construction and provision of water facilities—N900 million less than the amount budgeted for vehicle procurement. Additionally, only N602.8 million has been set aside for the rehabilitation of existing water infrastructure.

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These allocations have sparked concerns, particularly given Kaduna State’s ongoing water crisis. According to the Multidimensional Poverty Index published by the National Bureau of Statistics, 64% of households in Kaduna lack access to clean drinking water.

Health Risks and Water Scarcity

The lack of clean drinking water has had serious public health consequences. Contaminated water sources have contributed to the spread of waterborne diseases, including cholera, which has historically been a major health challenge in Kaduna.

In October 2024, the Kaduna State Primary Healthcare Development Agency reported one death out of 86 suspected cholera cases. The Director of Public Health, Hamza Ibrahim-Ikara, disclosed this information in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), highlighting the ongoing threat posed by inadequate water supply and poor sanitation.

Kaduna has a history of cholera outbreaks. In 2021, the then-Commissioner of Health, Dr. Amina Muhammed-Baloni, revealed that 175 people had died from cholera across the state’s 23 local government areas. The recurrence of such outbreaks underscores the urgent need for improved water infrastructure and sanitation facilities.

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Persistent Water Shortages in Kaduna

Residents of Kaduna have long decried the absence of clean drinking water. In many parts of the state, particularly rural areas, access to potable water remains a significant challenge.

A 2023 report revealed that many rural communities still struggle with inadequate water supply. A Daily Trust investigation noted that for residents of Ungwan Mangoro, Kosoh, and Madamai communities in Jema’a, Kagarko, and Kaura local government areas, the rainy season—which starts in April—is often their only reliable source of clean water. These communities face prolonged water scarcity, making them vulnerable to waterborne diseases and poor hygiene conditions.

Public Reaction and Calls for Prioritization

There have been concerns on priority spending by state governments . Many argue that public funds should be prioritized to address pressing issues affecting the majority of residents, rather than being spent on luxury items for government officials.

The lack of clean water, coupled with recurrent cholera outbreaks, suggests an urgent need for greater investment in water infrastructure, rather than continued expenditure on vehicles for lawmakers.