Zamfara budgets N1.8bn for lawmakers’ quarters, assembly complex amid rising insecurity, poverty
By Aminu Abubakar
Despite worsening insecurity, poverty, and development challenges facing Zamfara State, a review of the 2025 budget document by SolaceBase has revealed that the state government earmarked N1.8 billion for the construction of living quarters for lawmakers and a new Assembly Service Commission complex.
According to the breakdown, N1 billion was set aside for the construction of legislative and staff quarters, while another N800 million was allocated to build the Assembly Service Commission Complex. The revelation has triggered concern among civil society groups, analysts, and residents who argue that such huge allocations to political offices and infrastructure are misplaced, especially in a state grappling with banditry, food insecurity, and deteriorating social services.
Extravagant Allocations for Political Offices
The 2025 budget document shows several other eyebrow-raising allocations. An earlier SolaceBase review revealed that the government set aside N550 million for “special days and celebrations.” Additionally, N800 million was allocated for the governor’s office travel expenses—broken down into N300 million for local travel and transport, and N500 million for international travel.
The governor’s office also budgeted N100 million for “donations” expected to be made during the fiscal year. Meanwhile, the deputy governor’s office is to receive N157 million for travel and transport.
Observers argue that these allocations highlight a trend where governance in Zamfara is heavily tilted toward political convenience rather than service delivery.
Contradictions in Spending Priorities
While billions are earmarked for political and ceremonial expenses, allocations to critical social sectors remain comparatively meagre. The State Universal Basic Education Board, which oversees the funding of primary education in Zamfara, has a budget of just N743 million. The Primary Healthcare Development Agency will receive only N200.5 million, while just N150 million was allocated for rehabilitation and repairs of water facilities across the state.
The disparity becomes starker when compared to the N1.8 billion reserved for legislative housing and infrastructure—more than double the combined budget for healthcare and water.
Health experts and social commentators argue that this contradiction underscores the governance crisis in Zamfara. Despite being one of Nigeria’s poorest states, the government appears to prioritize the comfort of public office holders over addressing the most pressing needs of its citizens.
Insecurity and Public Outcry
Zamfara has been at the epicenter of Nigeria’s banditry crisis, with rural communities frequently targeted by armed groups. In early August, hundreds of protesters—mostly elderly women and nursing mothers from Jimrawa village in Dan Isa ward of Kaura Namoda Local Government Area—stormed the Government House in Gusau. The protesters demanded urgent deployment of security personnel to protect them from relentless bandit attacks, which have led to killings, kidnappings, and mass displacement.
The protest highlighted the growing desperation of residents who feel abandoned by their leaders. For many, the discovery that billions are allocated to lawmakers’ quarters and official travel while rural communities lack security, healthcare, and clean water adds insult to injury.
Health Crises Deepening
The budget revelations come against the backdrop of worsening health challenges in Zamfara. Earlier in September, reports confirmed a cholera outbreak in Bukkuyum district that killed at least eight people and infected over 200 others. The outbreak spread across 11 rural communities, including Nasarawa-Burkullu, Gurusu, and Adabka.
Health workers said insecurity worsened the crisis, as many communities are inaccessible to health officials due to bandit activity. Cholera, a water-borne disease linked to poor sanitation and contaminated water sources, is a recurring problem in Nigeria. But in Zamfara, where budgetary allocations for water facilities are as low as N150 million, experts fear outbreaks could worsen in coming years.
Developmental Challenges Persist
Beyond insecurity and healthcare, residents continue to struggle with poor infrastructure, widespread poverty, and a lack of access to quality education. Many rural schools operate without adequate facilities or teaching staff, while hospitals and clinics are grossly underfunded. For instance, the N200.5 million allocated to the Primary Healthcare Development Agency is insufficient to cover even basic needs across the state’s 14 local governments.
Civil society organizations have repeatedly called for greater transparency and accountability in Zamfara’s budgetary process. They argue that development priorities must reflect the urgent needs of ordinary citizens, not the comforts of politicians.
Comments are closed.