How 30 Nigerian Governments Spent N968.64bn On Trips, Refreshments, Others In 3 Months – Report—-In the first quarter of 2024, thirty Nigerian state governments collectively spent N986.64 billion on recurrent expenditures, according to The PUNCH.

These expenses covered a range of items including refreshments, sitting allowances, travel, and utilities.

The data, sourced from the budget implementation reports on Open Nigerian States—a platform supported by BudgIT—revealed that Benue, Imo, Niger, Rivers, Sokoto, and Yobe States did not have available data for this period.

### Breakdown of Expenditures

In the first three months of 2024, the thirty states collectively allocated N50.02 billion to various costs:
– **Refreshments for guests:** N5.1 billion
– **Sitting allowances for government officials:** N4.67 billion
– **Local and foreign travel expenses:** N34.63 billion
– **Utility bills (electricity, internet, telephone, water, sewerage):** N5.64 billion

Salaries accounted for N405.77 billion of the total spending. Other recurrent expenses included internet fees, entertainment, food, honoraria, wardrobe allowances, anniversaries, welfare, and aircraft maintenance.

### State-Specific Spending

– **Abia State:** N10.92 billion, including N165.38 million on refreshments, N39.26 million on utilities, N214.57 million on sitting allowances, and N127.1 million on travel.
– **Adamawa State:** N23.7 billion, with N287.61 million on refreshments, N109.62 million on utilities, N79.57 million on sitting allowances, and N768.77 million on travel.
– **Akwa Ibom State:** N46.85 billion, including N4.46 million on refreshments, N223.32 million on utilities, N6 million on sitting allowances, and N214.61 million on travel.
– **Anambra State:** N9.91 billion, with N78.18 million on refreshments, N32.52 million on utilities, N42.09 million on sitting allowances, and N188.39 million on travel.
– **Bauchi State:** N35.75 billion, including N50.8 million on refreshments, N397.58 million on utilities, N287.11 million on allowances, and N413.56 million on travel.
– **Bayelsa State:** N35.1 billion, with N28.4 million on utilities, N156.14 million on refreshments, and N279.99 million on travel.
– **Lagos State:** N189.62 billion, including N1.21 million on refreshments, N383.12 million on utilities, N52.79 million on sitting allowances, and N633.37 million on travel.

### Financial Experts’ Concerns

Amid Nigeria’s worsening economic challenges, the high cost of governance has come under scrutiny. Financial experts emphasize the need for states to adopt financial innovations to manage their budgets more effectively.

**Aliyu Ilias**, a development economist, highlighted the need for states to industrialize and become more attractive to investors. He urged governors to identify and develop their strengths to draw foreign investments, using Bayelsa State’s oil resources as an example.

**Prof. Akpan Ekpo**, former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Uyo, advised states to increase their revenue through improved service delivery.

**Prof. Segun Ajibola** of Babcock University criticized the high costs of governance at the state level, citing inadequate oversight and accountability. He pointed out that state assemblies have largely failed in their oversight duties, allowing governors to operate without transparency.

Ajibola noted, “The cost of governance in relative terms is even much higher in states than the federal, and that is why you hardly feel the impact of governance in most states.”

### Conclusion

The analysis of state expenditures in the first quarter of 2024 underscores the need for greater financial discipline and accountability at the state level. As economic pressures mount, the call for better governance and efficient use of resources becomes increasingly urgent.

(Punch)