Niger State Budget Sparks Outrage Over Billions Allocated to Guest Houses and Furniture

(Umar Bago. Photo by Niger State Gov)

The Niger State Government is facing serious questions after its 2026 budget revealed plans to spend another N1.5 billion on executive tables and chairs for guest houses located behind Government House in Minna.

This comes after the state reportedly spent N1.625 billion on the exact same thing furniture for the same 17 guest houses between January and September 2025 alone.

What makes this even more troubling is the contrast in priorities. Within the same period, only N268 million was directed toward water facilities, while markets and parks received a mere N93 million.

The budget also includes a N2.1 billion allocation for the construction of nine additional guest houses in Minna, alongside renovation works within Government House.

To make matters worse, another N1.514 billion was reportedly spent on road construction at Suleja International Market between 2024 and September 2025 but visits to the market reportedly showed no signs of any major road project.

Traders at the market also said they had no knowledge of any such construction taking place, with only minor drainage work and limited concrete structures visible on ground.

The report, reviewed from budget documents, has sparked outrage and is raising serious concerns about transparency and the true priorities of the Niger State Government.