Bauchi's external debt increases up to $ 186 million remains the fifth debt

On the domestic front, Bauchi State’s debt stood at ₦ 145.2 billion in September 2024, but dropped slightly to ₦ 143.9 billion by the end of the year, which was a reduction of ₦ 1.3 billion. A Saharan Portions Review of the newly released states’ debt portfolio revealed that the foreign debt of Bauchi state grew from $ 185.2 million by the end of December 2024. On the domestic front, Bauchi State’s debt stood at ₦ 145.2 billion in September 2024, but dropped slightly to ₦ 143.9 billion by the end of the year, which was a reduction of ₦ 1.3 billion. Despite this decline, the state remained the fifth thousandth domestic in 2024. Despite its rising debt profile, the 2025 budget approved for Bauchi state reveals some controversial awards through the home of the meeting. A total of ₦ 132 million were earmarked for the purchase of 32 chairs and 32 tables – each costs ₦ 2 million. This has expressed concern about financial mismanagement, especially when looking at the background of the state’s economic challenges. The budget also contains ₦ 440 million for 20 motor vehicles intended for chief officers, which amounts to ₦ 22 million per vehicle. In addition, two 32-seat Toyota buses are expected to cost the state ₦ 118 million ₦ 59 million each. Another ₦ 16.8 million is allocated for seven laptops, on average ₦ 2.4 million per unit. In the offices of the speaker and deputy speaker, ₦ 10 million was set aside for a single photocopy machine, while ₦ 132 million was budgeted for six scanners, placing the cost per scanner on ₦ 22 million. These awards have criticized observers who argue that such expenses are excessive, especially in light of the urgent developmental needs of the people of the Bauchi state. In 2024 alone, the state spent ₦ 44.216 billion on debt services, with the emphasis on the heavy financial rattles.