Kano State’s 2025 Budget: N1 Billion for Travel Amid Infrastructure Struggles
Kano State’s proposed 2025 budget has raised concerns due to its allocation of N997.3 million for international travels and an additional N30 million for local travel, totaling N1.027 billion for travel expenses alone. This move comes at a time when the state continues to face severe infrastructural challenges, including a lack of clean water and regular outbreaks of cholera.
According to the budget document, the state spent N795.4 million on international travels and N28 million on local travels between January and August 2024. Despite these significant sums, lawmakers have decided to increase their travel budget even further for 2025.
Other allocations in the budget include N21 million for office stationeries and computer equipment, N7.1 million for books, and N15.6 million for printing non-security documents. The state house of assembly also plans to spend N50 million on uniforms and other clothing, as well as N10.6 million on foodstuffs and catering materials. Legal services are expected to consume N152 million in 2025.
The large sum earmarked for travel is drawing criticism, especially given the dire situation faced by many residents in the state. Kano has long struggled with insufficient infrastructure, and as of October 2024, cholera outbreaks in 28 local government areas had already claimed 45 lives.
Although the state’s rural water and sanitation agency had a budget of N1.992 billion in 2024, the public remains frustrated by the lack of clean water, exacerbating public health risks. Many are questioning the priorities of the Kano State House of Assembly, urging the government to focus on improving basic services instead of high-budget travel expenses.
This growing divide between lawmakers’ spending and the state’s pressing infrastructural needs is stirring public unrest, with residents calling for a more balanced and equitable budget that addresses the core issues affecting daily life.
