Areview of Plateau State’s budget performance reveals staggering N3.7 billion has been earmarked for the House of Assembly’s Guest House and residence for the Speaker and Deputy Speaker.
Additionally, N3.9 billion was budgeted for 12 Hilux vehicles, averaging a striking N325 million per vehicle.
This means the budget allocates N7.6 billion for a guest house, residence for the Speaker and Deputy Speaker, and vehicles for the Assembly.
This comes amidst growing calls for prudent resource management by state governments.
The budget raises eyebrows because in contrast, the state’s Rural Water and Sanitation Agency received just N3.5 billion for capital expenditures, while the Universal Basic Education Board got N4 billion.
Also in contrast, the Ministry of Health was allocated N5.4 billion for capital expenditures, while the Ministry of Environment was allocated N1.4 billion.
Shockingly, 84% of households in the state lack sanitary facilities and 73% lack clean drinking water, yet the state prioritizes luxury spending.
This raises concerns about resource management, especially when resources are deemed scarce. Many are calling for greater prudence in state spending.