States Receive N2.45trn for Infrastructure, Security

The Federal Government has disbursed N2.45tn to state governments and the Federal Capital Territory for infrastructure and security projects between March 2024 and August 2025, according to official records from the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation.

This amount was aimed at bolstering infrastructure development and strengthening security operations at the subnational level, as part of ongoing efforts to address widespread insecurity and bridge critical infrastructure gaps across the country.

President Bola Tinubu’s 2025 budget proposal prioritizes security, infrastructure, health, and education, with allocations of N4.91 trillion, N4.06 trillion, N2.48 trillion, and N3.52 trillion, respectively.

The budget is themed “Budget of Restoration: Securing Peace, Rebuilding Prosperity,” reflecting the administration’s commitment to addressing Nigeria’s pressing challenges.

According to Tinubu, “Security is the foundation of all progress. We have significantly increased funding for the military, paramilitary, and police forces to secure the nation, protect our borders, and consolidate government control over every inch of our national territory.”

The government plans to accelerate investments in energy, transport, and public works to drive economic growth and job creation.

However, there are concerns about transparency in state-level spending, with some critics arguing that the funds have not been utilized effectively.

Auwal Rafsanjani, Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre, criticized the Federal Government and state governors over the poor and unaccountable use of the funds, stating,

“We are in the era of financial recklessness… This is what we are experiencing, and unfortunately, this is what public officials and political officials are doing in the country,” he said.

Coined from The PUNCH