SUNTV Global Channel | March 27, 2026
A review of Borno State’s 2026 budget reveals the government spent N378 million on generators between January and September 2025, and has earmarked an additional N1 billion in 2026 for generator purchases and operations at the State Government House. The budget specifies the acquisition of 18 units of 500KVA generators for the Government House Clinic and other facilities.
The expenditures reflect ongoing struggles with Nigeria’s unstable electricity supply. Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, recently apologised for power challenges, citing factors beyond government control—a statement met with public frustration.
Other Nigerian states are also allocating significant funds for generators. For instance, Kwara State set aside N180 million in 2026 for a 500KVA generator at the governor’s residence in Ilorin.
Analysis of federal allocations shows diesel- and petrol-powered generators remain a major recurring cost across federal Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). Security and law enforcement agencies receive the largest shares of Nigeria’s N6.626 billion 2026 budget for generator fuel, with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission receiving N1.2 billion, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs N567.9 million, police formations N511 million, and the Ministry of Defence Headquarters N455 million—together accounting for over 40% of the total allocation.
Overall, security-related institutions dominate generator spending, collectively receiving an estimated N4.17 billion (63% of total allocations).
Despite repeated government promises, Nigeria’s electricity sector continues to underperform, making diesel generators an unavoidable necessity for both state and federal institutions.
SUNTV Global Channel — Reporting on Governance and Public Finance.
