Nasarawa State Government Refutes Claims of N707 Million Spent on Refreshments

Introduction

Public financial management is a critical aspect of governance, particularly in developing economies where resource allocation is scrutinized for efficiency and impact. Recently, the Nasarawa State Government found itself at the center of a media controversy regarding the alleged expenditure of N707 million. The claim suggested that this substantial sum was spent solely on refreshments and food items while neglecting essential services like rural water provision. In response, the state government has issued a strong rebuttal, clarifying the nature of the expenditure and defending its record on infrastructure development. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the controversy, the government’s defense, and the broader context of public spending in Nasarawa State.

Key Points

Background

The controversy stems from a report published by an online medium alleging that the Nasarawa State Government allocated N707 million solely for the purchase of refreshments and food items. The report further suggested that this expenditure occurred at the expense of rural water provision, implying a misplacement of fiscal priorities.

The Nature of the Claim

The allegation gained traction because it touched on a sensitive issue: the diversion of public funds toward non-essential items while basic amenities remain underdeveloped. In Nigeria, where public trust in government spending is often fragile, such claims can quickly generate public outrage. The specific figure—N707 million—is substantial enough to warrant scrutiny, as it represents a significant portion of the state’s operational budget.

Government’s Initial Response

The Executive arm of the Nasarawa State Government moved quickly to address the narrative. Mr. Peter Ahemba, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Public Affairs, issued a formal press release in Lafia. He clarified that the report was not only unfounded but also a deliberate distortion of financial records. The government emphasized that the figure cited was not a discrete allocation for food but a cumulative figure representing various legitimate government activities.

Analysis of Financial Claims

To understand the validity of the allegations, it is necessary to dissect the financial data and the operational realities of government spending in Nasarawa State.

Aggregated vs. Discretionary Spending

A central point of contention is the interpretation of the N707 million figure. Mr. Ahemba explained that this amount was not a single line item dedicated to refreshments. Instead, it was an aggregated expenditure spanning nine months (January to September of the reporting year). This total covered the statutory and operational activities of multiple MDAs.

Government operations inherently involve costs for logistics, feeding during official engagements, and administrative support. For instance, when government agencies conduct training, workshops, or security operations, incidental costs such as refreshments are part of the broader budget. Labeling the entire aggregated operational budget as “money spent on refreshments” is a fundamental misrepresentation of public accounting principles.

Legitimacy of Operational Expenses

In public administration, operational expenses are distinct from capital projects. While capital projects involve infrastructure (like building water plants), operational expenses cover the day-to-day running of government. This includes:

• Meetings and Conferences: Essential for policy formulation and stakeholder engagement.
• Training and Workshops: Capacity building for civil servants to improve service delivery.
• Security Operations: Logistics and support for security agencies ensuring peace in the state.

The government’s defense rests on the argument that the N707 million was legally and necessarily spent to keep the machinery of government functioning across these sectors.

Rural Water Provision: A Counter-Narrative

The allegation of neglecting rural water provision is a serious charge against the administration of Governor Abdullahi Sule. The government responded with specific evidence of ongoing and completed projects.

Investments in Water Infrastructure

Mr. Ahemba described the claim of neglect as “laughable,” pointing to sustained investments in the water sector since 2019. The government’s strategy involves a multi-agency approach, utilizing the State Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (NASWASSA), the Ministry of Water Resources, and the State Water Board, alongside technical partners.

Specific Projects and Interventions

Contrary to the narrative of neglect, the state government highlighted several completed and ongoing water projects across both rural and urban areas. These interventions include:

• Rehabilitation of Waterworks: Major upgrades have been conducted in Doma, Keana, Awe, Lafia, Nasarawa Eggon, Keffi, and Karu.
• Technical Upgrades: The projects encompass grid connections, pump replacements, dredging, and borehole rehabilitation.
• Institutional Reforms: The constitution of a Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Taskforce and the enactment of enabling laws to strengthen water service delivery.

These projects require significant funding, often running into billions of naira. The government argues that these capital expenditures demonstrate a clear commitment to improving water access, directly contradicting the allegation of neglect.

Practical Advice for Media Consumers and the Public

In an era of information overload, distinguishing between factual reporting and misinformation is crucial. Here are practical steps for evaluating similar news stories:

Verify the Source

Always check the credibility of the news outlet. Is it a registered media organization with a history of balanced reporting? Unverified blogs or platforms known for sensationalism often lack editorial oversight.

Understand Budget Terminology

Learn the basics of public financial management. Terms like “aggregate expenditure,” “recurrent vote,” and “capital vote” have specific meanings. Misinterpreting these can lead to false conclusions about government spending.

Cross-Reference Information

Do not rely on a single report. Look for official press releases from government agencies or statements from verified spokespeople. In the case of Nasarawa, the government’s detailed response provides a counter-narrative that was absent in the initial allegation.

Seek Official Documentation

When available, consult budget performance reports or audited financial statements. These documents provide the breakdown of expenditures and can verify whether a specific amount was allocated to a particular sector.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Did the Nasarawa State Government spend N707 million?

Yes, the government acknowledged a cumulative expenditure of N707 million over nine months. However, they clarified that this amount was not spent solely on refreshments but covered various operational activities across multiple government agencies.

What does the N707 million cover?

According to the government, the funds covered statutory and operational activities, including conferences, training, workshops, security operations, and program implementation for various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

Is the Nasarawa State Government ignoring rural water access?

No. The government refuted this claim, citing ongoing rehabilitation of waterworks in Doma, Keana, Awe, Lafia, and other areas. They emphasized significant investments in water infrastructure under Governor Abdullahi Sule’s administration.

What is the role of the Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs?

The Senior Special Assistant (SSA) serves as a spokesperson for the government, responsible for communicating the administration’s policies, defending its actions against criticism, and managing public perception through press releases and media engagements.

Conclusion

The controversy surrounding the alleged N707 million expenditure on refreshments highlights the importance of transparency and accurate reporting in public governance. While the figure represents a real allocation of funds, the Nasarawa State Government maintains that it was a misrepresentation to label it as money spent solely on food. Instead, the funds were part of essential operational costs necessary for the functioning of various government departments. Furthermore, the government’s record on water infrastructure—evidenced by the rehabilitation of waterworks across multiple LGAs—suggests a continued focus on rural development. As public scrutiny of government spending intensifies, both the government and the media must uphold standards of accuracy to foster an informed citizenry.

Sources

• Vanguard News. (2026, January 26). Nasarawa Govt refutes claims of N707m spent on refreshments. Retrieved from www.vanguardngr.com
• Press Release issued by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Public Affairs, Lafia. (2026).