Political Anini: Document Uncovers How Bauchi Ministry of Natural Resources Looted Millions of Naira Through Over-bloated Budget

Secrets Reporters

The Bauchi State Government is once again under the microscope following revelations of massive overspending by its Ministry of Natural Resources, as contained in the recently released 2024 third-quarter budget performance report. Despite biting economic hardship and growing public outcry over the rising cost of living, the state’s spending pattern tells a tale of extravagance in the midst of scarcity.

According to the official report, three projects under the ministry gulped more than ₦675 million, even though their combined approved budget was just ₦73 million. The figures, stark and staggering, paint a grim picture of a system where public funds appear to flow like a river without a dam.

One of the most striking discrepancies was found in the acquisition of computer application software for exploration activities. Initially budgeted at ₦3 million, the project astonishingly recorded an actual expenditure of ₦89.6 million — nearly 30 times the approved amount. Observers say such a leap would make even the most liberal accountant raise an eyebrow.

Equally troubling was the acquisition of residual mineral mining sites and the formalization of artisanal and small-scale miners (ASMs), which ballooned from ₦50 million to ₦390.9 million. Similarly, the cost of purchasing office accommodation in Bauchi town soared from ₦20 million to ₦195 million. In total, the ministry overspent by more than ₦602 million beyond its approved financial ceiling.

A review of the state’s public procurement portal and budget records revealed a conspicuous absence of critical details. No information was found on contractors, procurement procedures, or implementation stages for any of the projects. Both the original and revised budgets remained unchanged, yet the financial report shows disbursements that defy the official figures.

Analysts say this level of fiscal inconsistency suggests a breakdown in the state’s budgetary discipline and oversight mechanisms. The numbers seem to tell a story of governance where spending outpaces approval and accountability takes a back seat.

The 2024 budget of Bauchi State was passed into law in December 2023, following its approval by the State House of Assembly and assent by Governor Bala Mohammed. It was designed to address key developmental challenges, yet the latest revelations raise doubts about whether such intentions are being followed through in practice.

What makes the situation more worrisome is the lack of any publicly available justification from the Ministry of Natural Resources or the state’s Ministry of Finance. As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official statement explaining why budget lines were breached so drastically without legislative adjustments or public disclosure.

Budget experts have warned that unmonitored spending of this scale could undermine public trust and weaken the integrity of the state’s fiscal framework. They argue that when government expenditure becomes an open-ended cheque, the very foundation of accountability begins to crumble.