Niger State Government spent N8.8 billion on 82 vehicles in 2025, exceeding the N5.8 billion approved budget by N3 billion, according to an investigation by The Whistler based on the state’s 2025 audited financial statement.
The report said the vehicles comprised 40 Maxus Mikano vehicles and 42 Changan Mikano 2019 models, putting the average expenditure at about N108 million per vehicle.
According to the investigation, the N8.8 billion expenditure represented about 24.3 per cent of the N36.2 billion tax revenue generated by the state in 2025.
The expenditure was also reported to be higher than the state’s 2025 capital spending in some critical sectors. The State Universal Basic Education Board recorded N1.9 billion, while the Ministry of Primary Healthcare spent N6.9 billion on capital projects.
The Niger State Rural Water and Sanitation Agency recorded N5.4 billion in capital expenditure during the same period, according to the report.
The findings come amid reported infrastructure challenges in parts of the state. In Lapai Local Government Area, civil society organisation MonITNG reportedly raised concerns over the condition of Mawagi Primary School, where it said 512 pupils had stopped attending classes because of unsafe classrooms.
The report also cited National Bureau of Statistics data indicating significant educational and water-sanitation challenges in Niger State, including deprivation in access to education and limited access to clean water and sanitation facilities.
The findings have renewed questions about public expenditure priorities and financial management, particularly amid concerns over development needs and limited government resources.
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