Report SUNTV Global Channel
Fresh scrutiny has trailed the spending pattern of the administration, following revelations that nearly ₦2 billion was spent on travel-related expenses within the first three months of 2026.
An analysis of Kogi State’s Q1 2026 budget performance document by shows that the government expended ₦1.068 billion on international trips alone between January and March. An additional ₦940 million went into travel logistics and operations, pushing the total travel bill to almost ₦2 billion in just one quarter.
The figures reflect a continuing trend from 2025, when the state reportedly spent ₦2.6 billion on international travel. Notably, ₦1.3 billion of that amount was used within a single quarter—from October to December—while ₦1.4 billion was allocated to travel logistics throughout the year.
Beyond travel, concerns are mounting over other recurrent expenditures. Records indicate that ₦6.5 billion was spent in 2025 on items such as honorariums, refreshments, meals, and welfare packages—raising questions about fiscal priorities.
At the same time, critical environmental funding appears underutilized. Despite receiving about ₦1.26 billion in ecological funds in 2025, less than half of the ₦1.15 billion budgeted for erosion and flood control was actually spent. Only ₦516 million was used for the purpose, leaving significant gaps in preparedness.
Monthly allocations from the ecological fund flowed consistently throughout the year, yet implementation lagged behind expectations.
This comes amid growing environmental concerns. The recently listed among high-risk areas for flooding, warning that heavy rainfall could disrupt livelihoods, damage infrastructure, and endanger lives if proactive measures are not taken.
The situation is particularly troubling given Kogi’s history of flood vulnerability. In 2024, only ₦29.8 million was allocated to erosion and flood control, while a mere ₦1.927 million was reportedly spent in 2023—figures experts consider grossly inadequate.
With rising environmental threats and increasing administrative costs, analysts say the state’s spending pattern is now under intense public and policy scrutiny, as citizens demand a better balance between governance expenses and critical infrastructure needs.
