A review of budget performance documents reveals that the Kano State government, led by Abba Yusuf, allocated N10 billion for office furniture and fittings during the first six months of 2024. Despite having budgeted N3.9 billion for office furnishings for the entire 2024 fiscal year, the state had already spent N10.4 billion by the end of the second quarter.
In contrast, capital expenditure for water resources amounted to only N4.2 billion during the same period. Capital expenditure for rural and community development was N179 million, while N2.5 billion was spent on education, N323.6 million on higher education, N959 million on health, and N1.3 billion on hospital and health center rehabilitation.
All these expenditures combined total N9.4 billion for the six-month period, which is still less than the N10.4 billion spent on office furniture and fittings. The Kano State government's focus on office furniture and fittings is particularly notable given the state's ongoing developmental issues, including a shortage of healthcare facilities and persistent water scarcity.
This emphasis on office furnishings comes at a time when there are widespread calls for reducing governance costs. Recently, the Northern Patriotic Agenda (NPA) urged Governor Abba Yusuf to prioritize state administration and deliver on promises to the residents. The group also criticized Yusuf for allegedly neglecting his gubernatorial responsibilities and engaging in political grandstanding, which they argue exacerbates the suffering of Kano's people.