Kano Governor Splurges N10 Billion on Office Furniture

A review of budget performance documents reveals that the Kano State government under Governor Abba Yusuf has spent N10 billion on office furniture and fittings in the first six months of 2024. This figure significantly exceeds the state’s entire 2024 budget allocation of N3.9 billion for office furniture.

In comparison, capital expenditure for water resources was only N4.2 billion in the same period. Other critical sectors also saw significantly lower expenditures: rural and community development received N179 million, education N2.5 billion, higher education N323.6 million, health N959 million, and hospital rehabilitation N1.3 billion. Together, these sectors’ capital expenditures totaled N9.4 billion, which is still less than the amount spent on office furniture.

This prioritization of office furniture occurs amidst ongoing developmental challenges in Kano State, including inadequate healthcare and chronic water shortages. It also coincides with calls to reduce the cost of governance.

Recently, the Northern Patriotic Agenda (NPA) urged Governor Yusuf to focus on effective governance and delivering democracy dividends to Kano’s residents. The group criticized the governor for political grandstanding and neglecting the state’s pressing needs, thereby exacerbating the suffering of Kano’s people.