Taraba Government Allocates N72 Million to Purchase Only 50 Raincoats and 100 Rain Boots

Bulmun Dakwal

Once again, another questionable allocation has surfaced in the lines of the 2026 Taraba State budget, raising concerns over possible budget inflation and the misuse of public funds at a time when many residents continue to battle economic hardship.

This time, the spotlight falls on two budget items under the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA): the purchase of 50 raincoats at N52,800 each and the purchase of 100 rain bots at N10,000 each.

At first glance, the figures may appear ordinary. But a closer look at the numbers attached to the items reveals what analysts and transparency advocates may describe as another troubling example of inflated budgeting.

The budget line titled “Purchase of 50No. of Rain Coats @N52,800” carries a total allocation of N2,640,000. Another line, “Purchase of 100No. of Rain Boots @N10,000”, is budgeted at N1,000,000.

However, beyond the immediate allocations lies what raises even more questions. The same budget document projects an out-year estimate of N36 million for each of the two items, meaning the government expects to spend N36 million in subsequent years on raincoats and another N36 million on rain boots.

Combined, both items amount to a total sum of N72 million in projected spending. For many observers, the figures are difficult to justify especially when compared to a realistic market price.

A market survey conducted showed that standard raincoats suitable for flood response, sanitation work, or emergency operations currently sell between N15,000 and N35,000 depending on quality and brand. Premium industrial raincoats may cost slightly higher, but rarely exceed N45,000 in bulk purchases.

Similarly, rain boots commonly used by field workers, emergency responders, and sanitation officials are sold between N6,000 and N15,000 across several local markets and online platforms. While the N10,000 allocation per rain boot appears relatively within market range, the main  concern remains the long term projection of N36 million attached in the budget line.

Questions are now been asked over why such non-perishable protective equipment would require tens of millions of Naira in future spending projections. Even more concerning is the recurring pattern of questionable allocations increasingly appearing in state and federal budgets across the country.

Over the past years, several Nigerian budgets have drawn criticism after investigations exposed suspicious allocations running into millions for ordinary items such as kitchen utensils, office furniture, air conditioners, generators, and utility equipment. Public finance experts say inflated budgeting often thrives where there is weak oversight, poor procurement transparency, and limited public scrutiny of budget documents.

A development economist based in Abuja who asked not to be named because he was not authorised to speak publicly on the issue said the Taraba allocations deserve further scrutiny.

“When you see relatively small procurements carrying disproportionately large allocations, it raises red flags,” he said.

“The issue is not just the immediate amount being spent today. It is the projected expenditure pattern. Why should raincoats and rain boots attract N36 million?” he added.

The State Emergency Management Agency is expected to coordinate disaster response, humanitarian interventions, and relief efforts during emergencies such as floods and communal crises. Taraba State has experienced several flooding incidents in recent years, displacing residents and destroying farmlands in parts of the state. However, critics argue that emergency preparedness should not become an excuse for inflated budgeting.

Inflation continues to push up the cost of living, while several states struggle with unpaid salaries, poor healthcare systems, inadequate schools, and deteriorating infrastructure.

In Taraba, many rural communities still face poor road networks and limited access to basic healthcare services, especially during the rainy season. For residents in flood prone communities, the debate is not merely about raincoats and boots, but about priorities.

Although government projections sometimes account for inflation and future procurement needs, transparency advocates insist that such estimates must be properly justified and broken down for public understanding.

Without clear explanations, they say, public suspicion around budget padding and inflated contracts will continue to grow.

Nigeria’s procurement process has repeatedly faced criticism over inflated contracts, non-competitive bidding, and projects that fail to reflect actual market realities.

Investigations by journalists and civic organisations over the years have uncovered contracts where ordinary items were purchased at higher value than their market value.

As scrutiny over the Taraba budget grows, accountability advocates are calling on the state government and the State Emergency Management Agency to provide detailed clarification on the rationale behind the allocations and future estimates.

They are also urging the Taraba State House of Assembly to strengthen oversight during budget review processes.