The Kwara State Government has come under scrutiny following revelations that it budgeted N4.5 billion for the purchase of security equipment in the 2026 fiscal year but recorded no expenditure on the project during the first quarter of the year.
A review of the state’s first-quarter budget performance report (January to March 2026) shows that although the allocation was clearly listed under capital expenditure, there was no financial release or utilisation for security equipment within the period.
The development has raised concerns, especially amid ongoing security challenges in parts of the state, with questions being asked about the gap between budgetary provisions and actual implementation.
According to the report, despite the insecurity affecting several communities, no funds were disbursed for security procurement in the first three months of 2026.
This is not an isolated case. Previous budget performance records indicate similar patterns in 2025, where large allocations for security-related purchases were made but not implemented.
In that year, N3 billion was set aside under the Ministry of Finance for security equipment, but no funds were released between January and September 2025. An additional N20 million meant for security gadgets and N75 million for patrol motorcycles for forest guards were also not spent.
While security allocations recorded zero execution, significant spending was recorded in other areas. Between January and September 2025, the state reportedly spent about N3.5 billion on various vehicle purchases for government officials and agencies, including luxury sedans, SUVs, buses, and operational vehicles for ministries and departments.
Further records show that the government also spent over N3 billion on the rehabilitation of Kwara Hotels and additional funds on Patigi Hotels within the same period.
In addition, financial documents indicate that about N3.2 billion was released for international travel in 2025, with reports suggesting that a substantial portion was spent within the final quarter of the year alone.
These spending patterns have sparked public concern, particularly as some communities in Kwara State continued to experience security incidents during the same period, including reported attacks and displacement of residents in areas such as Edu, Patigi, Kaiama, and Ifelodun local government areas.
Stakeholders have called for better alignment between budget allocations and actual spending, especially in critical sectors like security, to address rising insecurity in the state.
There have also been renewed appeals for stronger collaboration between state and federal authorities to ensure the protection of lives and property.
