Yobe Government spends N3.8 billion on allowances and chalets, neglects Basic Education

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49 mins ago

49 mins ago

A recent analysis of Yobe State’s third-quarter budget performance has revealed alarming spending patterns, with the government allocating N3.8 billion on sitting allowances and the construction of presidential chalets, while recording zero expenditure on basic education.

According to the report, Yobe State spent N2.6 billion on honorarium and refreshments for lawmakers in the first nine months of 2024, alongside N1.2 billion dedicated to building chalets at the Presidential lodge. This signifies that 32% of the state’s internally generated revenue (IGR) of N8.1 billion was consumed by lawmakers’ allowances, while 14.8% went towards the presidential chalets. In total, nearly 47% of Yobe’s IGR was spent on these two items.

Despite these expenditures, the state has not allocated any funds to its Universal Basic Education Board’s capital projects. Additionally, only N379.5 million was spent on the state primary healthcare board, highlighting a troubling neglect of essential services amid economic hardship.

The situation is particularly dire in Yobe, where 48% of school-aged children are denied access to education, and 27% lack access to clean drinking water. Over 1.3 million residents are classified as poor, underscoring the urgent need for investment in basic education and public services.
Peoplesmind