A recent review of the Taraba State budget has raised eyebrows over the state’s expenditure priorities, revealing that a staggering N2.6 billion was spent on office furniture and fittings between January and September 2024.

According to the budget performance documents, the third quarter alone saw a massive N2 billion allocated to office furniture and fittings. This amount surpasses the spending on key infrastructure projects, including the construction of schools, water facilities, and hospitals.

In comparison, Taraba spent N681 million on electricity provision and N1.3 billion on water infrastructure. The construction and improvement of public schools cost N1.4 billion, while the construction of health centres and hospitals received no funding at all during the period.

Other areas of development were similarly underfunded, with the rehabilitation of water facilities and agricultural infrastructure also receiving no budget allocation. On the other hand, N1.7 billion was earmarked for the repair of public schools, and N496.5 million was spent on erosion and flood control efforts.

Despite the lavish spending on office decor, the state continues to grapple with significant socio-economic challenges. Taraba is home to 1.37 million individuals living in poverty, and more than 80% of the population lacks access to basic amenities. Approximately 48% of children in the state do not have access to education, while 83% of households lack sanitary facilities. Even more concerning, 86% of households have no access to clean drinking water.

These expenditures come amid calls for greater fiscal discipline and better management of public funds. Many state governments, including Taraba, rely heavily on loans to finance their budgets due to insufficient revenue. However, concerns about transparency and accountability in the use of these funds continue to mount.

As the state faces growing public scrutiny, the government’s decision to prioritize office fittings over pressing developmental needs has sparked controversy and calls for more prudent financial management.