The Kaduna State government, under Governor Uba Sani, has allocated N3 billion for the renovation of government offices in its 2025 budget.
This follows a similar project in 2024, which cost the state N2.5 billion.
An analysis of the approved 2025 budget reveals that the Kaduna State Facilities Management Agency earmarked N3,023,305,045.83 for office renovations. This comes after the agency spent N2,598,520,229.24 on similar renovations between January and September 2024.
The budget passed into law in December 2024, totals N790.44 billion, with a primary focus on rural development. Of this, N551.58 billion is allocated for capital expenditure, while N238.86 billion is set aside for recurrent expenses.
According to Alhaji Mukhtar Morovia, the Commissioner for Planning and Budget, education received the highest allocation at 26%, followed by health at 16%, public infrastructure at 13%, and agriculture at 9.5%. These allocations, he noted, align with the administration’s emphasis on human capital development and agricultural growth.
Governor Sani’s administration has been critical of his predecessor, Nasir El-Rufai, particularly regarding alleged financial mismanagement. This criticism gained traction after the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) arrested Shizzer Joy Nasara Bada, the former Commissioner of Finance and Accountant General under El-Rufai’s government, in September 2024 at Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed Airport.
The ICPC’s investigation into El-Rufai’s administration has fueled speculation about widespread corruption during his tenure. Bada’s arrest occurred amid allegations of financial mismanagement, including claims that El-Rufai’s administration misappropriated N432 billion over eight years, significantly contributing to Kaduna State’s debt.
A state Assembly ad hoc committee investigating finances, loans, and contracts during El-Rufai’s tenure uncovered alleged misuse of funds. Committee chairman Henry Zacharia reported that many loans obtained under El-Rufai were either misappropriated or secured without proper adherence to due process.
This revelation has further intensified scrutiny of the previous administration’s financial dealings, raising questions about accountability and governance in Kaduna State.
