High poverty rate fails to deter frivolous spending by Kano, Kaduna state govts
By Aminu Abubakar
Despite the alarming levels of poverty in Kaduna and Kano states, both governments continue to allocate significant funds to non-essential expenditures, a SolaceBase review of state budget documents has revealed.
Stark Poverty Realities in Kaduna and Kano
According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Kaduna State has approximately 3.74 million people living in poverty, while Kano State has 4.6 million poor persons. Combined, the two states account for 8.3 million impoverished individuals.
This dire situation is compounded by basic infrastructural deficiencies. For instance, 73% of households in Kaduna lack access to sanitary facilities, while in Kano, the figure stands at 51%. Access to clean drinking water is also a major issue, with 64% of households in Kaduna and 31% in Kano lacking safe water sources.
Extravagant Spending Amid Economic Hardship
Despite these critical challenges, the state governments have continued to channel funds into questionable expenditures.
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Kaduna State’s Vehicle Procurement
A SolaceBase review of Kaduna State’s approved 2025 budget reveals that the government has allocated N3.8 billion for the purchase of vehicles for lawmakers. This comes despite a prior expenditure of N1.5 billion on the same purpose in 2024.
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If the entire N3.8 billion is spent as planned, the total expenditure on lawmakers’ vehicles over two years will amount to N5.3 billion.
Budget documents indicate that the Kaduna government plans to acquire 30 Toyota Camry XLEs for lawmakers. Between January and October 2024, N1.59 billion had already been spent on these vehicles, highlighting a pattern of prioritizing legislative mobility over critical public services.
More strikingly, the budgetary allocation for vehicle procurement surpasses the amount allocated for addressing the state’s pressing water infrastructure needs. In 2025, N2.9 billion has been earmarked for constructing and providing water facilities, N900 million less than the vehicle procurement budget. Furthermore, only N602.8 million has been set aside for rehabilitating existing water infrastructure.
Kano State’s Costly Legislative Expenditures
Kano State lawmakers, meanwhile, are set to spend N997 million on international travels in 2025. Additionally, N156 million has been budgeted for fueling plants and generators. If fuel sells at N1,000 per liter, this implies a monthly fuel consumption of approximately 433 liters.
Despite its economic challenges, Kano State has also allocated N300 million for the renovation of its Deputy Governor’s lodge in 2025. Furthermore, the Kano State Government House will spend over N200 million on honorariums and sitting allowances in the same year. Similarly, Kaduna State spent N446 million on honorariums and allowances in 2024.
Mounting Debt and Scarce Resources
Both states have significant debt burdens. Kaduna State owes N26.6 billion in domestic debt, while Kano State has a more substantial domestic debt of N61 billion. These expenditures come amid frequent claims by both governments about dwindling resources and the need for prudent financial management.
Given the rising poverty rates and the persistent lack of basic services, the extravagant spending by these governments has raised serious concerns about fiscal responsibility and governance priorities. Critics argue that rather than focusing on essential services that directly impact the well-being of millions, resources continue to be funneled into areas that provide little tangible benefit to the populace.
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