Recent scrutiny into the financial disbursement of Nigeria’s 36 states in the first nine months of 2023 has uncovered staggering expenditures totaling N1.71tn. The breakdown encompasses a multitude of recurrent expenses, encompassing allowances, foreign trips, office supplies, aircraft maintenance, and more. This revelation stems from an analysis sourced from Open Nigerian States, a budgIT-backed platform that consolidates and shares government budget data.
Salaries alone accounted for a substantial N802.43bn, constituting a significant portion of the overall recurrent spending. However, when combined with other recurrent expenses, the total spending climbs to a staggering N2.52tn, showcasing the broad spectrum of financial outflows.
The breakdown of expenditures across different states reflects a diverse array of allocations. For instance, Abia dedicated N17.61bn toward various expenses ranging from housing/rent allowances to social benefits and maintenance services. Akwa Ibom’s disbursements totaled N92.54bn in the first two quarters, covering allowances, social contributions, travel, utilities, and even hosting/mobilization of political groups.
Notably, some states, like Rivers and Lagos, showcased substantial expenditures reaching N51.96bn and a significant N289.49bn, respectively. These outlays encompassed a wide range of expenses, from special duties and welfare packages to aircraft maintenance and severance pay for political appointees.
Furthermore, the analysis identified that out of the 36 states, only 30 disbursed security votes amounting to N87.45bn. Additionally, the collective borrowings of the states escalated to a hefty N988bn by the third quarter of 2023, signifying a substantial financial reliance on borrowing.
The detailed breakdown of each state’s expenditure emphasizes the multifaceted nature of financial disbursements across Nigeria. From housing allowances to training expenses, office stationery to celebratory events, these allocations paint a comprehensive picture of how state funds are utilized across the country.
This in-depth analysis sheds light on the fiscal intricacies and expenditure patterns prevalent among Nigeria’s states, highlighting the diversity and breadth of financial allocations made by state governments in the first three quarters of 2023.