The Kogi State Government, led by Governor Usman Ododo, has been scrutinized following revelations of significant overspending on several projects.
According to the 2024 state budget performance report obtained by SaharaReporters, the administration has spent approximately N400 million on constructing an “Intruders Gate,” a project initially approved at N100 million.
An ‘Intruder Gate’, also known as a security or anti-climb gate, is designed to prevent unauthorized access to restricted areas and offer an additional layer of protection. However, the report disclosed that N398,817,976.33 was spent on the gate within nine months, exceeding the approved budget by over N298 million. Despite the substantial expenditure, the report did not specify the location where the gate was installed.
Further details from the budget review revealed that N439.5 million had been expended on the production of customized staff of office for graded chiefs, raising questions about the prioritization of such projects at a time when residents of the state are grappling with economic hardship and rising costs of living.
The report also highlighted additional instances of fiscal indiscipline. Between January and September 2024, the government spent a staggering N2.9 billion on minor capital works and remodelling of the Government House, far surpassing the allocated budget. While N100 million was earmarked for minor works, the actual expenditure reached N784 million. Similarly, the remodeling of the Government House was budgeted at N962 million, but the administration spent N2.2 billion within the same period.
Examples of budget overruns include the following projects:
– Renovation of the Speakers’ and Members’ Residential Quarters: Budgeted at N50 million, but N58.7 million was actually spent.
– Renovation of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker’s Lodge: Budgeted at N50 million, but N52 million was spent.
– Maintenance of the Secretary to State Government’s Residence and Landscaping: Budgeted at N10 million, but N13.8 million was spent.
– Construction of the Mosque and Chapel in the Government House: Budgeted at N25 million, but expenditures soared to N86.4 million.
These revelations have sparked public outrage, as many citizens struggle with inflation, hunger, and dwindling resources. Critics argue that the government’s spending habits demonstrate a disregard for fiscal discipline and a misalignment of priorities, especially given the pressing needs of the populace.
Governor Ododo’s administration has yet to address these allegations of excessive spending. However, the budget report’s findings have intensified calls for accountability and transparency in managing public funds in Kogi State.
