-230m for generators, among other expenses
Tongues are currently wagging over the huge amounts allocated to some specific expenses in the Imo State 2026 budget that was recently approved by the state government.
A review of the document shows that the sum of #400 million was allocated for the renovation of the governor’s lodge in Lagos, additional #200m was allocated for the purchase of a generator for the State House of Assembly, while #30 million was also earmarked for the installation of generators at the lodges of the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker.
The document further indicates that the amount was approved for the purchase of a 650KVA Perkins generating set.
Some of those who commented on the development while exchanging views with our reporter said, the allocations regrettably highlight the rising cost of alternative power supply across government institutions as a result of persistent electricity challenges that seem to have become the norm.
It was earlier reported that Borno State spent N378 million on generators between January and September 2025. In the 2026 fiscal plan, the state has also earmarked an additional N1 billion for generator-related expenses, with the equipment designated for the Government House.
The budget description includes: “Purchase of 18 units of 500KVA generators in the Government House Clinic and other facilities.”
A similar trend is observed in Kwara State, where N180 million has been budgeted for the purchase and installation of a soundproof 500KVA Perkins (UK) generator at the governor’s residence in Ilorin.
At the federal level, generator-related costs also remain significant. An analysis of the 2026 budget shows that about N6.626 billion has been allocated for fuelling generators and power plants across 20 Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
Security and law enforcement agencies account for the largest share of this spending. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) leads with N1.2 billion—approximately 18 percent of the total allocation.
Other major allocations include N567.9 million for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, N511 million for police formations and commands, and N455 million for the Ministry of Defence Headquarters.
Together, the four institutions account for over 40 percent of the total generator fuel budget.
The figures underscore the continued reliance on diesel and petrol-powered generators by public institutions due to unreliable electricity supply nationwide.
Over time, there have been concerns on management of public funds in Nigeria and concerns on failure of critical infrastructure in the country.
