Sokoto Spends N1 Billion on Vehicles for Lawmakers Amid Deep Poverty Concerns

By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News

The Sokoto State government has reportedly spent N1 billion on the purchase of 30 vehicles for House of Assembly lawmakers and management staff within the first six months of 2025, SaharaReporters has confirmed. This follows N3.682 billion spent for the same purpose in 2024, bringing the total expenditure on vehicles for lawmakers and top officials to N4.682 billion over the past 18 months.

High Cost Per Vehicle
On average, each of the 30 vehicles purchased in 2025 costs approximately N156 million. The spending has drawn public scrutiny, especially considering that Sokoto State is home to the largest number of impoverished citizens in Nigeria, according to the Multidimensional Poverty Index published by the National Bureau of Statistics.

The data indicates that 5.81 million residents of Sokoto live in poverty. In stark contrast to the lavish spending on vehicles, roughly 60% of households in the state lack access to sanitary facilities, 49% lack access to clean drinking water, and 52% of school-age children are deprived of formal education.

Development vs. Expenditure
The state’s expenditure pattern raises questions about prioritisation of public resources. While N1 billion was spent on vehicles between January and June 2025, only N50 million was allocated to the rehabilitation and repair of water facilities. Similarly, healthcare infrastructure received just N39.9 million for hospital and health centre repairs during the same period.

Revenue Allocation Concerns
The vehicle purchases were made despite Sokoto State generating N10.1 billion in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) during the first half of 2025. This indicates that approximately 10% of the state’s IGR was dedicated solely to acquiring additional vehicles for lawmakers and management staff of the House of Assembly, highlighting concerns over prudence in resource management.

Public Reaction and Scrutiny
Akahi News gathered that this spending has sparked debate among citizens, civil society groups, and development experts, who argue that state resources should prioritise basic services and infrastructure, especially in a region grappling with high poverty levels and limited access to essential amenities. Analysts warn that the continued allocation of substantial funds to non-critical expenditures such as vehicles may exacerbate developmental deficits and deepen socio-economic inequalities within the state.

Broader Implications
The situation in Sokoto underscores wider challenges in public financial management across Nigeria, where developmental needs often clash with the demands of government bureaucracy. Observers emphasise the urgent need for greater transparency, accountability, and prioritisation of citizen welfare in state budgeting decisions.

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