The Bauchi State Government has come under fire for allocating N400 million in its 2025 budget to purchase six computers for the office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG).
In addition to this, the government plans to spend N1 billion on land acquisition for office and building construction, along with N170 million for a generator to power the SSG’s office.
The budgetary decisions have sparked widespread criticism, particularly from public affairs analysts, who have described the expenditures as extravagant and wasteful.
Speaking to The Guardian, public affairs analyst Ibrahim Musa described the allocations as a clear case of misplaced priorities.
He said, “Everyone would believe that prudence will start from different levels of the government, but this appears to be the reverse. We have seen several inflated figures of capital expenditure from this government.”
Musa also highlighted the disparity between government spending and the hardships faced by citizens.
“The state government is asking citizens to sacrifice by adjusting their living conditions. On the other hand, you see the same government engaging in wastage. How can you convince a man who has no food on his table that you’re buying six computers at the cost of N400 million?
“This amount can be used to build about six primary healthcare facilities where service delivery could be taken closer to Nigerians. This is what the government is buying yearly and has become a recurring expenditure.”
He called on the Bauchi State Government to prioritize projects that directly benefit the people and avoid unnecessary spending, warning against what he termed “wastage.”
