AGS NEWS – In the first three months of 2024, 30 state governments in Nigeria spent N986.64 billion on recurrent expenditures, which included refreshments, sitting allowances, travel expenses, and utilities.

This information was derived from budget implementation reports on Open Nigerian States, a website supported by BudgIT.

The analysis covered data from 30 states; however, Benue, Imo, Niger, Rivers, Sokoto, and Yobe states did not have data available for the first quarter of 2024.

The breakdown revealed that N5.1 billion was spent on refreshments, N4.67 billion on sitting allowances, N34.63 billion on travel expenses, and N5.64 billion on utilities, totaling N50.02 billion. Salaries accounted for N405.77 billion.

In Abia State, a total of N10.92 billion was spent, with allocations including N165.38 million for refreshments, N214.57 million for sitting allowances, and N127.1 million for travel.

Adamawa State expended N23.7 billion, allocating N287.61 million for refreshments and a significant N768.77 million for travel expenses.

Meanwhile, Akwa Ibom State’s expenditure amounted to N46.85 billion, with minor allocations of N4.46 million for refreshments and N6 million for sitting allowances.

Anambra State disbursed N9.91 billion, with N78.18 million going towards refreshments and N188.39 million for travel purposes.

In Bauchi State, a total expenditure of N35.75 billion was recorded, including N50.8 million for refreshments and N287.11 million for allowances.

Bayelsa State’s expenditure stood at N35.1 billion, with allocations of N156.14 million for refreshments and N279.99 million for travel.

The highest expenditure was reported in Lagos State, amounting to N189.62 billion, with minor allocations for refreshments, sitting allowances, and significant travel expenses totaling N1.21 million, N52.79 million, and N633.37 million, respectively.

Other states like Borno, Cross Rivers, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Ekiti, Enugu, and Gombe also reported significant expenditures.

Financial experts have raised concerns about the high recurrent spending amid Nigeria’s economic challenges.

They emphasize the need for financial innovations and attracting foreign investments.

Economists like Aliyu Ilias and Prof. Akpan Ekpo suggest that states should develop specific strengths to draw investors and improve service delivery. Prof. Segun Ajibola criticized the lack of oversight and accountability in state governance, leading to high costs with minimal economic benefits for citizens.