Kaduna foreign trips to cost N9bn in 2026, seven times internal security ministry capital expenditure

By solacebase.com On Mar 5, 2026

Kaduna, foreign trips , internal security ministry ,capital expenditure, — Combo (L-R) Aeroplane, Gov Uba Sani and map of the world

By Aminu Abubakar

The Kaduna State Government has budgeted about N9 billion for foreign travel-related expenses in the 2026 fiscal year, a figure that is nearly seven times the N1.257 billion capital allocation to the Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs.

An analysis of the 2026 approved budget estimates shows that the foreign travel spending is clearly itemised under two major headings — International Travels (Estacodes) and International Travels (Others) — in addition to other trip-related allowances captured under personnel costs.

Breakdown of the N9bn foreign travel allocation shows that of the estimated N9 billion set aside for foreign trips:

International Travels (Estacodes) is projected to gulp N6.5 billion, international travels (Others) are expected to take N2.5 billion.

Estacodes typically cover daily subsistence allowances, hotel accommodation and upkeep expenses for government officials while on overseas assignments.

International Travels (Others), on the other hand, cater for air tickets, travel logistics, visa processing, protocol arrangements and other administrative costs associated with foreign trips.

Together, these two components account for the bulk of the N9 billion foreign travel provision in the 2026 budget.

Security Allocation Far Lower

The N9 billion allocation stands in sharp contrast to the N1.257 billion capital vote for the Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, the agency responsible for tackling banditry, kidnapping and other security challenges in parts of the state.

The comparison has drawn attention because the foreign travel allocation is almost seven times what is budgeted for capital projects in the security ministry.

Overview of the 2026 Budget

Kaduna’s total capital expenditure for 2026 is projected at N698.97 billion, an increase from N514.53 billion in the 2025 revised budget. Overall total expenditure for 2026 is estimated at N985.91 billion, up from N790.43 billion in 2025.

Under the Administration Sector, N11.22 billion is earmarked for capital expenditure. The Governor’s Office has N895.23 million, while the State Assembly is allocated N5.90 billion. The Ministry of Information is to receive N2.49 billion.

Despite persistent security concerns across several local government areas, the capital allocation to the Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs remains N1.257 billion.

Sectoral Allocations

In the Economic Sector, capital expenditure totals N363.65 billion. The Ministry of Agriculture leads with N106.57 billion, reflecting continued emphasis on food security and agribusiness expansion. The Ministry of Public Works and Infrastructure is allocated N173.71 billion, while the Kaduna Roads Agency receives N87.51 billion for road development.

The Social Sector records a significant increase, with capital spending rising to N320.03 billion in 2026 from N163.74 billion in the 2025 revised budget. The Ministry of Education gets N191.38 billion, while the Ministry of Health is allocated N109.10 billion.

Under personnel costs, allowances and social contributions total N10.70 billion in 2026. Field/Trip Allowance alone stands at N570 million, up from N170 million in 2025. Hazard Allowance is N251.91 million, while Performance Bonus amounts to N1.55 billion.

Debate Over Priorities

Budget observers note that international travel can serve strategic purposes such as attracting foreign direct investment, negotiating development partnerships and participating in global policy engagements.

However, the scale of spending on International Travels (Estacodes) and International Travels (Others) has raised questions about fiscal priorities, especially when compared with the relatively modest capital allocation to internal security.

With N9 billion proposed for foreign trips and N1.257 billion for capital projects under the security ministry, scrutiny is expected as implementation begins.

Earlier, a SolaceBase review of the Kaduna State Medium Term Expenditure Framework for the period between 2025 and 2028 showed that 71% of the Internally Generated Revenue planned for the state is expected to be spent on debt servicing.

According to the document, the state plans to generate N112.1 billion in 2025, N84.5 billion in 2026, N90.4 billion in 2027, and N98.3 billion in 2028.

Further review of the document shows that debt servicing is expected to take a substantial percentage of the state’s internally generated revenue in the listed years.

For instance, in 2025, debt servicing is expected to gulp N70.8 billion, while the projection for 2026 stands at N76.6 billion, the estimate for 2027 is N66.3 billion, and that of 2028 is projected at N61.9 billion.

In total, internally generated revenue between 2025 and 2028 is estimated to be N385 billion, while debt servicing in the same period is planned to be N275 billion.

This would mean that 71.4% of the state’s IGR will be spent on debt servicing between 2025 and 2028.

Further review also shows that Kaduna State plans to rely on loans.

The review of the MTEF document shows that the state plans to borrow a total of N659 billion between 2025 and 2028.

According to the document, N145.7 billion is projected to be borrowed in 2025, N184.1 billion in 2026, N166 billion in 2027, and N163.8 billion in 2028.

Kaduna State’s external debt stood at $658.7 million as of June 2025, more than six times higher than that of any other Northwestern state. This amount represents approximately 63 percent of the region’s total foreign obligations, which collectively amount to $1.047 billion.

Despite relying on loans and its high debt servicing figures, the state has continued to spend on luxury items.

For instance, a SolaceBase review of the Kaduna State budget performance document for the third quarter of 2025 revealed that a total of N3.2 billion was spent on estacode for international trips between January and September 2025.

Estacode refers to the travel allowance paid to public officials for trips outside their duty station, particularly in Nigeria and former British colonies. It is a daily stipend covering expenses for international or long-distance domestic travel.