Zamfara overspends N3.54bn without budget approval, fails to fund key programs in 2024
By Aminu Abubakar
A review of Zamfara State’s budget performance document for the 2024 fiscal year by SolaceBase revealed significant financial irregularities, with a sum of N3.546 billion spent outside budgetary allocations.
Financial experts have stated over time that issues like this, raise serious concerns about fiscal responsibility, transparency, and adherence to financial regulations in the state.
It was also stated that expenditures that are outside budgetary provisions are illegal and a violation of the principles of good governance.
Nigeria’s Public Finance Act explicitly mandates that all public expenditures be backed by budgetary allocations to ensure accountability and effective financial planning.
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SolaceBase gives a breakdown of excessive spending below-
According to the document published by the Zamfara State government on its official website and portal for budget performance reports, several ministries and agencies exceeded their allocated budgets by significant margins:
Ministry of Finance initially budgeted N21.706 billion, the ministry ultimately spent N24.988 billion, surpassing its budget by **N3.281 billion.
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In the same light, the Hajj Commission budgeted to spend N1.431 billion but ended up spending N1.697 billion, marking an excess expenditure of N265.9 million.
Aside from spending beyond budget, Zamfara State also failed to spend the money budgeted for key programs.
While certain agencies exceeded their budgetary allocations, other key programs and agencies within the state received zero funding, despite having significant allocations in the budget.
The Government Enterprises and Empowerment Program allocated N319 million, but no funds were disbursed by the end of 2024.
Zamfara Investment Promotion Agency budgeted N212 million, yet received no funding. Home Grown School Feeding Program also suffered zero naira budget despite a budget allocation of N533.8 million, the program saw zero implementation. Economic and Finance Matters budget stood at N105.5 million, with no funds released for execution. Zamfara State Television Services allocated N150.2 million but received no financial backing.
Despite Gold City FM, having an initial allocation of **N72.2 million, no money was spent. Zamfara State Operations Coordinating Unit budget stood at N176.3 million but with no financial execution. Quality Assurance Authority, had a budget allocation of N161 million, yet no funds were expended.
The discrepancies between budgeted allocations and actual spending may raise questions about the financial prudence of the state government.
Experts have noted over time that excess spending without proper budgetary provisions may point to a lack of fiscal discipline, which can lead to increased debt, misallocation of resources, and corruption.
Failure to fund critical programs like the Home Grown School Feeding Program and Government Enterprises and Empowerment Program may raise concerns about the impact on education, economic empowerment, and social welfare.
Although the “Home Grown School Feeding Program” has been subjected to corruption allegations, 44% of school children in Zamfara are said to be deprived of access to education.
77% of children of school age are also said not to have completed six years of school.
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