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Marketers warn against disruption as Dangote plans direct fuel supply

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The Natural Oil and Gas Suppliers Association of Nigeria has warned that the Dangote Petroleum Refinery’s plan to bypass existing distribution channels and supply refined petroleum products directly to end-users would lead to a nationwide disruption, long-term product scarcity, and the collapse of existing supply networks.

The oil and gas suppliers called on the refinery to halt its plan and seek further dialogue before commencing the distribution of products to end users, urging it to learn from what happened to non-functional refineries under the management of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.

They also called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the issue, stressing that Dangote alone cannot handle nationwide distribution of products sustainably. The NOGASA National President, Bennett Korie, made the call during the association’s Annual General Meeting held on Thursday in Abuja.

However, an official of the Dangote Group described the position of the dealers as anti-Nigeria, arguing that the plan by Dangote was to remove the cost of logistics in the movement of petrol nationwide.

Speaking with The PUNCH, while reacting to the development, the National President of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria, Billy Gillis-Harry, said Nigerians should not rejoice yet over the announcement by the Dangote refinery, as he backed the sister oil marketing group, NOGASA.

Meanwhile, it was observed on Thursday that the prices of petrol at depots spiked by up to seven per cent, from the N815 per litre it sold on Wednesday to N870 per litre on Thursday.

Recall that the $20bn Dangote refinery recently disclosed plans to deploy 4,000 new Compressed Natural Gas-powered tankers for nationwide distribution of petrol and diesel directly to marketers, manufacturers, telecom firms, aviation companies, and other large consumers, bypassing traditional depots and intermediaries.

The refinery took delivery of 4,000 new CNG-powered trucks for its fuel distribution initiative, scheduled to be launched on August 15. The initiative, which is intended to provide more efficient transportation across Nigeria and beyond, has been applauded by some industry experts. With the investment of N720bn, the initiative is expected to save Nigerians over N1.7tn annually, and lift 42 million Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises by reducing energy costs and enhancing profitability.

The refinery said the strategic programme is part of its broader commitment to eliminating logistics costs, enhancing energy efficiency, promoting sustainability, and supporting Nigeria’s economic development.

However, Korie, speaking in his address, said if existing retail outlets were forced out of business due to Dangote’s direct distribution approach, it would be difficult to revive the supply chain in the event of any disruption at the refinery.

He further warned that handling refining, distribution, and retail through filling stations as a single entity is unsustainable, citing the failed attempt by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited at direct distribution. He stated that the state-owned refineries began to decline after the oil company ventured into retail distribution.

“We are pleading that Mr President should intervene in this matter by telling Dangote to slow down, and go by the rules of the game. Nobody’s against the refinery. If there’s anybody who supported Dangote Refinery more than any other organisation, it is this association.

“But when this issue came up, we said, no, we need to advise, we need to give you an idea how to go about it. What is important to us is that the refinery is blending, the product is coming out, and Nigerians are enjoying the product that is blended today.

“Now, some Nigerians will be thinking maybe because we don’t want him to do this or because of competition. No, it is because we don’t want what happened to NNPCL to happen to Dangote Refinery. The reason is that, before now, NNPC refined products and distributed them through their subsidiary at that time.

“And everything was moving smoothly, it wasn’t bad. Until people who I think advised Dangote today, went to advise NNPC to start doing distribution directly, which is the filling station that you have in NNPC filling stations. As soon as this NNPC filling station started, that was when our refinery started going down,” Korie said, warning that the same fate could befall Dangote’s $20bn refinery if it follows a similar path.

Korie stressed that while the association fully supports the operations of the Dangote refinery, the decision to bypass traditional distributors poses a serious threat to existing supply structures and could replicate the challenges that undermined the NNPCL in the past.

He warned that handling refining, distribution, and retail through filling stations as a single entity is unsustainable.  “Because they were concentrating on their filling stations. I am not saying they are not paying attention to refineries, but you can’t do it alone. You are blending, you are refining, and at the same time operating, and again, add a filling station in your operation.

“You will have a problem. That is why today you have this problem of our refineries not working. So because of this, we now say, No, please don’t go there. Concentrate on this thing you are doing. You are doing good. You are finding the product good, sell to the marketers, marketers sell to the end users. Remove your hand from this direct distribution. It will bring you problems, and once you start solving that problem, you will not have time to fix the refinery or operate the refineries very well.

“So it’s important that you concentrate on this refinery. Blend enough for us and sell some to other countries. And that way, the job there will be stable, and our own here will be stable. We are capable of distributing the product. All we need you to do, blend, sell to depot owners, and they will go there and buy, and distribute to the end users. That way, you balance the system.”

He further expressed NOSAGA’s readiness to work with the Refinery to ensure that the business survives for the mutual benefit of all involved. The NOGASA  president added, “During our last meeting, we supported the completion of the refinery, but most of our members are afraid of the giant monopoly.

“The entire giant’s indirect distribution of their products with the purchase of 4,000 distribution trucks for nationwide supply makes us worried about staying in the business. We wish to assure that they consider the small suppliers who depend on those business employee levels. We need to work with them to ensure that our business survives for the mutual benefit of all involved.”

Korie noted the economic impact of such centralisation, stating that thousands of Nigerians working across over 50,000 filling stations and logistics chains could be displaced if independent marketers are sidelined. He called on the government to facilitate dialogue between Dangote Group and key industry stakeholders, including major and independent Petroleum marketers among others.

Also speaking, the National President of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria, Billy Gillis-Harry, said Nigerians should not rejoice yet over the announcement by the Dangote refinery to distribute petroleum products across the country, as there is always payback time.

“We don’t need to pretend that we don’t know what’s going to happen. Because many of us are clapping hands, one company wants to refine, one company wants to stock, one company wants to do the logistics of distribution, and one company wants to fix prices. So that one company is going to be both a businessman and a regulator. And so many Nigerians don’t seem to understand the dynamics of the difficulty,” he said.

Reflecting on what happened in the cement industry, he said, “Because I want to draw your attention to the fact that we also have similar situations in our cement industry, where you are seeing the same trucks supplying cement.

“So, I’m sure you have seen in all your homes and villages and cities, those small, small container shops that are for cement. So, where the cement is not produced from the factory, and also distributed to those very critical distribution centres, have you bought cement for N115 again? From N115, we are buying now for 10,000 plus,” he said.

He raised concerns over what he described as Dangote’s attempt to dominate the market, noting that retail outlet operators are losing as much as N80 per litre due to sudden price adjustments.

The PETROAN boss argued that with a production capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, which has now been upgraded to 700,000 barrels, the Dangote  refinery should be competing with global refineries, and not operate as a distributor in the downstream, adding that NOGASA, NATO, and PTT could effectively do the job of distribution of the products.

“Just yesterday, some of them began selling products at N817 per litre. That represents a loss of over N80 per litre for filling station operators. When you consider the volume of product involved, it becomes clear that, very soon, salaries may not be paid.

“The association is therefore calling on the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority and the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources to urgently implement pricing regulations, reinforce market oversight, ensure crude oil is accessible to local refineries, and take deliberate steps to protect existing jobs in the sector,” Gillis Harry noted.

Dangote reacts

A senior official of the Dangote Group expressed surprise that an organisation could threaten to disrupt fuel supply because an individual wants to distribute fuel free of charge to Nigerians.

“Why would they want to disrupt? Somebody wants to distribute fuel for free (without the cost of logistics). We are not asking for money. We are saying part of the reason why PMS is expensive is because of the logistics, and we are removing the cost. We are removing that money. So, why are they angry?  Why the disruption, if not anti-Nigeria? They hate Nigeria; they don’t want this country to prosper.

“If someone wants to do something free, we are not asking for money. We are not saying, once we use our truck to supply you with PMS, you are going to pay us money. Why are you angry that an individual, a private sector person, wants to do that? Why are you angry? Why are you pained? And is this market not big enough for everybody to survive?” the official, who spoke in confidence because he was not permitted to talk on the matter, asked.

The official discountenanced claims that NOGASA members would lose their source of livelihood.

“How will they lose their job? The market is big enough. You heard what the NNPC man said yesterday about the fact that they are not willing to sell the Port Harcourt refinery. And there are other modular refineries everywhere. Some people are working. They will still be in use. They will still be useful.

“Okay, we are starting with 4,000 trucks. There are 774 Local Governments in Nigeria. Can the 4,000 trucks really go around the 774 LGs? No. Why are we deceiving ourselves? Why are we anti-Nigeria? Why don’t we want this country to progress and develop? Absolutely, I don’t see any need for them to go on strike. Nobody’s threatening anybody. Nobody’s interested in a monopoly. This country can thrive with everybody doing their business. Dangote is not saying, ‘don’t do your business,” the official stated.

IPMAN National Vice Chairman, Hammed Fashola, said he would not know whether or not NOGASA members have the strength to disrupt fuel supply in Nigeria.

According to him, everybody is trying to survive in the oil business as they perceived Dangote’s plan as a means of cutting them out of business.

“Everybody wants to make sure they remain in business. You know, there have been a lot of reactions to that move by Dangote. Naturally, transporters will not be happy, and intermediaries won’t like it. You know this thing has a value chain, and there are a lot of people playing one role or the other in the supply chain.

“I believe Dangote, too, will be listening to the stakeholders. So, I think at the end of the day, everybody will be on the same page. Let’s see what happens. I don’t know their strength. I told you I’m not a member. So, I cannot tell if they have the strength to disrupt fuel supply. Before they can say they want to disrupt the supply, I think maybe they have the capacity. But let’s wait and see,” Fashola said.

Depots hike prices

Meanwhile, depot prices for petrol spiked by up to seven per cent, from the N815 per litre it sold to customers on Wednesday to N870 per litre on Thursday. This was as Dangote refinery abruptly suspended petrol sales across its terminals, deepening supply uncertainty and accelerating price movements nationwide.

In a notice titled “Important Update on DPRP Collection Account for PMS”, Dangote refinery instructed marketers to halt all payments for PMS loading at its gantry, effectively freezing further allocations. “Please be advised that, effective immediately, all payments to the DPRP collection account for PMS gantry should be placed on hold,” the internal memo read. “Further updates will be communicated shortly.”

Earlier this week, importers dropped petrol prices below the price offered by the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, sparking a new wave of competition.

But fresh findings have now revealed that depot owners have hiked their prices based on the increased crude price, indicating a possible increase in pump price next week nationwide. Findings by our correspondent using petroleumprice.ng showed that six depots including NIPCO, Aiteo, Rain oil, MenJ, Sahara and Aipec have all effected an increase to N870 per litre. The Dangote refinery depot sold slightly less at N865 per litre.

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Tinubu unveils tax calculator to show impact on incomes

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President Bola Tinubu on Friday urged Nigerians to try a newly launched Personal Income Tax calculator that estimates how much would be paid under the tax reforms his administration recently signed into law.

In a post on his official X account, the President said the calculator allows citizens to compare their estimated tax under the proposed reforms with current rates, and ensure a clear understanding of the impact on individual incomes.

Tinubu said the reforms, which take effect from January 2026, are intended to establish a fair tax system, one that never punishes poverty or weighs down the most vulnerable.

He said, “A fair tax system must never punish poverty or weigh down the most vulnerable.

“With the new tax laws I recently signed, taking effect from January 2026, we have lifted this burden and created a path of equity, fairness, and true redistribution in our economy.

“A Personal Income Tax Calculator has been developed. It allows you to check your estimated tax under the new laws against what you currently pay.

“It shows clearly how these reforms protect low-income earners, ensure progressivity, and simplify compliance in order to deliver a transparent system that works for all.”

Tinubu stated further, “Together, we are renewing hope in the Nigeria of our dreams.

“Take a bet on our country. Bet on Nigeria to work for you, your family, and your community.”

The Personal Income Tax calculator can be accessed on https://fiscalreforms.ng/index.php/pit-calculator/.

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FCT: Water supply project will create 1,600 jobs – Wike

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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, has spoken of plans to create over 1,600 direct and indirect jobs for youths of the capital city.

Wike disclosed that the jobs will be created through the provision of potable water in all the area councils of the FCT by President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

He made the disclosure during the flag-off of the construction and expansion of water supply to FCT satellite towns, Lot 1; Bwari Township in Bwari Area Council, on Wednesday.

The minister said, “Remember in 2023 when we were appointed, we had stakeholders meeting with the six area councils and in one of such meetings I did say that the president is desirous in providing portable clean water to the Satellite towns.

“When he made that statement, of course, people will always see it as being politics but I remind you that one thing you must give to Mr President is that when he makes his promises, he always fulfills.

“Today, we are in Bwari and tomorrow we will be in Karu. In essence, we are doing two areas councils together.The President has mandated that yes the contract for this ought to be 18 months but we discussed with the contractors and pleaded with them that by the third year anniversary of Mr president we will be able to commission these projects.

“And when the contractors assured us that they can if funds are made available, Mr president immediately approved 50 percent of the total contract sum to CGC Nigeria and I hope that by the grace of God knowing the commitment of this company in which ever job that is given to them they will deliver on time.

“What this tells us is that we are not concentrating development only in the city area, we are also carrying development to the area councils. By the time we finish in Bwari and Karu, the next year’s budget will be to Kuje, Kwali and by the grace of God in 2027 we would have taken over Gwagwalada and Abaji.

“By the time Mr president’s four years expires, there will be clean, treated water. This will provide jobs for our teeming youths, create about 1600 direct and indirect employment.

“This is the first time a government is saying you too deserve to have portable, clean water because water is life. It’s not just saying it but implementing it.”

Wike also assured that projects embarked on by his administration will not be abandoned.

He added: “Be assured that this will not be water you will say is an abandoned project, we don’t abandon projects. We start and we complete it.

“I thank God you have reminded us that agreement is agreement, we have agreed that we are going to do water and we are bringing water, when I come back to say we have performed you too will perform.”

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Capital projects crumble as states cut spending

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Procurement delays, worsening insecurity, and rising costs of goods and services have emerged as major reasons several state governments failed to meet their capital expenditure targets in the first six months of 2025.

Findings from states’ second-quarter Budget Implementation Reports revealed that capital spending across many states remained significantly below expectations, despite ambitious budgetary provisions designed to accelerate infrastructure growth.

A fresh breakdown of state government expenditure between January and June 2025 showed that 31 states collectively disbursed N2.75tn for capital projects.

However, this figure represents only a fraction of the N17.51tn they had budgeted for capital expenditure in the 2025 fiscal year.

The budget performance of those figures is about 15.7 per cent, meaning the 31 states achieved less than one-fifth of their capital expenditure target in the first half of 2025.

The underperformance has delayed critical infrastructure projects and deepened hardship for citizens who rely on improved roads, schools, hospitals, and water systems.

This is also coming on the heels of the fact that the states earmarked N11.34tn to finance capital projects but eventually recorded a funding gap of N3.98tn in 2024, as revenue shortfalls, rising wage bills, and heavy debt servicing weakened their fiscal capacity.

This year’s half-year performance suggests that the same structural challenges remain unresolved.

According to experts, capital spending is the fund disbursed by the state on long-term investments aimed at improving infrastructure, services, or the economy.

These expenditures are typically used for projects that have a lasting benefit, such as building roads, bridges, schools, hospitals, public transport systems, and other essential infrastructure to foster economic growth, improve quality of life, and ensure better public services for citizens.

The clamour for improved infrastructure has grown louder in the aftermath of the fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange devaluation, which have significantly boosted revenue inflows to the federal, state, and local governments, raising public expectations for visible development outcomes.

Last month, President Bola Tinubu urged state governors to prioritise Nigerians’ welfare by investing more in their future, putting more money into rural electrification, agricultural mechanisation, poverty eradication, and improved infrastructure investment.

Tinubu implored the governors to do more to positively impact the lives of Nigerians in the grassroots, saying, “I want to appeal to you; let us change the story of our people in the rural areas.

“The economy is working. We are on the path of recovery, but we need to stimulate growth in the rural areas. We know the situation in the rural areas, let us collaborate and do what will benefit the people,” he added.

President Tinubu urged state governors to collaborate with the Federal Government to drive economic development in rural areas nationwide. “We have to embrace mechanisation in agriculture, fight insecurity, and improve school enrolment through feeding,” the President said.

Despite the revenue windfall, many states have failed to meet their mandate of delivering key infrastructure for citizens, with governors attributing the shortfall to persistent insecurity, cumbersome procurement processes, and other long-standing challenges.

An analysis of the fiscal performance of each state, utilising data from the Q1 to Q2 budget performance reports obtained from each state’s website, revealed the scale of the challenges.

The breakdown showed sharp contrasts in budget performance across the country, with 31 states collectively spending N2.75tn on capital projects and N2.35tn on recurrent expenditure between January and June 2025.

An analysis of states’ second-quarter Budget Implementation Reports revealed that while some states channelled the bulk of their resources into infrastructure and development projects, others leaned heavily on recurrent costs such as salaries, allowances, and overheads.

Enugu State recorded the highest capital-to-recurrent ratio, with 81.9 per cent of its total expenditure (N99.59bn) going into capital projects, compared to N22.06bn for recuThe 27.1 per cent performance is indeed), Bayelsa (69 per cent), and Kebbi (68 per cent) followed closely, ranking among the most capital-focused states in the first half of the year.

Imo State led the pack on infrastructure development with N188.1bn channelled into capital expenditure, compared to just N50.29bn on recurrent. Enugu followed closely, committing N99.59bn to capital projects against N22.06bn for recurrent, making it the most capital-focused state in terms of percentage allocation.

Bayelsa also posted a strong capital bias, spending N238.29bn on capital against N107.26bn recurrent, while Abia disbursed N133.1bn on capital compared to N39.73bn recurrent. Edo and Akwa Ibom both crossed the N170bn mark in capital expenditure, allocating N179.56bn and N179.76bn respectively.

Other states that leaned more towards capital included Borno (N92.99bn vs N61.59bn recurrent), Gombe (N93.99bn vs N52.25bn), Jigawa (N82.99bn vs N56.63bn), Kebbi (N78.86bn vs N36.81bn) and Zamfara (N51.1bn vs N37.57bn).

At the other extreme, several states recorded higher recurrent spending than capital, raising concerns about long-term development priorities. Kogi was the most recurrent-heavy, spending N133.22bn on recurrent compared to N73.16bn on capital.

Ekiti followed, with N101.1bn on recurrent against N56.1bn capital, while Osun allocated N89.37bn to recurrent and only N57.13bn to capital. Oyo also tilted towards consumption, disbursing N129.06bn recurrent against N110.64bn for capital projects.

Ogun balanced closely, spending N157.15bn on recurrent and N155.64bn on capital. Similarly, Bauchi (N97.29bn recurrent vs N91.69bn capital), Kano (N115.24bn recurrent vs N90.79bn capital), Kwara (N71.59bn recurrent vs N62.68bn capital), Nasarawa (N68.3bn recurrent vs N48.49bn capital), Ondo (N84.37bn recurrent vs N61.88bn capital), Sokoto (N72.18bn recurrent vs N69.01bn capital) and Taraba (N57.88bn recurrent vs N24.17bn capital) all leaned more towards recurrent expenditure.

A few states maintained near parity between the two categories. Kaduna disbursed N108.45bn on capital and N100.31bn recurrent, while Ebonyi’s spending was almost evenly split at N36.89bn capital and N38.38bn recurrent.

The overall capital share of 53.9 per cent across the 31 states indicates that subnationals are still devoting nearly half of their budgets to recurrent obligations, despite revenue windfalls from subsidy removal and foreign exchange reforms.

The poor performance has tangible effects. In Benue, where only N23.32bn was spent on capital projects compared to N44.5bn on recurrent, key roads and agricultural projects have stalled due to insecurity. Similarly, Cross River allocated just N30.53bn for capital against N84.8bn for recurrent, limiting its capacity to address infrastructural deficits in education and healthcare.

Commenting on this, Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State blamed the state’s poor performance on widespread insecurity.

“The poor recorded performance is largely due to the overwhelming insecurity challenges faced by the state during this reporting period,” the budget report said.

In June, no fewer than 200 people were killed when gunmen attacked Yelwata community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.

Although the state raised its 2025 capital budget by over N100bn to stimulate “aggressive urban and rural infrastructural development,” authorities admitted that implementation, particularly in the second quarter, “was significantly slowed down” as contractors were unable to mobilise.

Jigawa State also struggled, with officials describing capital performance as “below average.”

According to the report, “Procurement plans of most capital-intensive projects of most MDAs primarily target beyond the first quarter, which are to ensure providing adequate time to deal with all the necessary contract procedures. During the second quarter, many of these projects entered the implementation phase, with several undergoing tender approvals and vetting processes.”

The government, however, expressed optimism that performance “will improve significantly by the third quarter.”

Imo State reported capital expenditure performance of just 27.1 per cent as against the expected 50 per cent by mid-year.

“The 27.1 per cent performance is indeed much less than expected, however capital expenditure does not strictly follow that format of equally splitting the total amount across the four quarters,” the government said.

It cited recent funding gap analysis in primary education and health that slowed releases, coupled with insurgency in parts of the state.

“The current spate of insurgency in and around the state has also affected the mobilisation of contractors whose procurement processes have been completed to commence work,” the report noted.

Borno State attributed its weak capital performance to “low capital inflows from budgeted sources and other peculiarities of the state.”

The government disclosed that an amendment was made in the revised 2025 budget “to cater for overspending on both recurrent and capital expenditure in Q1 and Q2.”

In Ebonyi, officials said capital budget utilisation stood at just 11.3 per cent.

“The relatively low performance is primarily attributed to the budget profiling approach, which scheduled the implementation of several large-scale capital projects for the third quarter and beyond,” the report stated.

Authorities added that some expenditures in health and education were not captured in the approved budget.

“To address these issues, the state plans to undertake a budget review in the third quarter to incorporate these expenditures and realign budget provisions to support timely and efficient project execution,” the report added.

In Sokoto State, capital performance stood at 19.7 per cent as of Q2, which government admitted was “below expectations.”

“This is largely due to the procurement process attached to capital projects that takes time as well as slow performance on the part of some contractors,” the budget report said.

They added that the government had set up a Projects Monitoring Committee “to change the trend in subsequent quarters.”

Yobe blamed delays in approvals and soaring costs for its underwhelming execution.

“Delays in the commencement of certain key projects, particularly those that required memo approvals, were primarily due to bureaucratic bottlenecks,” the report stated.

The government, however, noted progress in road, market and flyover projects, but said external factors hurt delivery timelines.

“The rainy season and the general rising costs of goods and services significantly impacted the timelines for project execution,” it said.

Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State pointed to front-loading difficulties typical of large infrastructure projects.

“This slow pace reflects the challenge common in infrastructure projects, where initial disbursements are slower as project planning, procurement, and mobilisation processes are finalised,” the government explained.

It admitted overspending in certain areas such as “purchase of motor vehicles, rehabilitation of equipment, and anniversaries/celebrations,” but pledged to correct this in its budget review.

Zamfara said its low capital performance was mainly because “many capital projects were still undergoing procurement processes.”

“Payments for mobilisations commenced in the second quarter, while disbursements for ongoing projects will mainly occur in the third quarter after achieving significant milestones,” the government noted.

In Kebbi State, officials blamed the decline in capital spending on the “gradual re-evaluation of all capital projects to ensure proper procurement practices are followed.”

The government also prioritised the payment of outstanding contract arrears.

“The State Government continues to prioritise major infrastructural projects while ensuring a keen focus on education, health and other social sectors,” the report said, adding that MDAs have been urged to “intensify fund requests for completion of projects.”

Adamawa reported capital expenditure of N52.4bn out of a N348.9bn allocation, representing just 15 per cent performance.

“While this performance may appear low, the state is making efforts to improve investment in long-term projects,” the government explained.

Across the board, state governments blamed insecurity, procurement delays, bureaucracy, weak capital inflows, and high project costs for their poor performance. While most expressed optimism that execution will improve in the third quarter, analysts warn that persistent underperformance in capital expenditure could stall infrastructure delivery and economic growth at the subnational level.

A Professor of Economics at Babcock University, Segun Ajibola, stated that the enduring problem of high governance expenses had persisted at the state level, with inadequate oversight and accountability resulting in minimal economic benefits for grassroots citizens.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s 31 states spent a combined N2.36tn on recurrent expenditure between January and June 2025, surpassing by 18.3 per cent or N364bn, the N1.994tn governors personally racked up on refreshments, sitting allowances, travel and utilities in the first nine months of 2024.

A breakdown of the states’ recurrent bills, obtained from official budget performance reports, shows that Ogun (N157.15bn), Kogi (N133.22bn), Oyo (N129.06bn), Kano (N115.24bn) and Akwa Ibom (N113.44bn) topped the chart as the biggest recurrent spenders in the first half of this year.

On the other hand, Enugu (N22.06bn), Katsina (N26.39bn), Zamfara (N37.57bn), Ebonyi (N38.38bn) and Abia (N39.73bn) reported the lowest recurrent allocations in the period.

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