EXCLUSIVE: Yobe Plans N20Billion For Airport, Markets, Consultancy As Two Out Of Every Three Children Remain Out Of School
EXCLUSIVE: Yobe Plans N20Billion For Airport, Markets, Consultancy As Two Out Of Every Three Children Remain Out Of School Data from Nigeria’s 2022 Multidimensional Poverty Index showed that about 730,000 children aged between six and 15 in Yobe were out of school, representing 62.9 per cent of the state’s school-age children.
A recent document unveiled by SaharaReporters has ignited questions regarding the Yobe State Government's spending priorities, following the approval of ₦1.5 billion for an International Cargo Airport in Damaturu. The document, signed by the Secretary to the Yobe State Government, Baba Mallam Wali, revealed that Governor Mai Mala Buni had sanctioned the release of ₦1,501,766,245.66 to the Ministry of Transport and Energy for airport-related expenses.
The accompanying project schedule outlined a diverse range of initiatives with an estimated value of approximately ₦20 billion, including airport equipment, market development, electrification of homes, borehole drilling, construction of a transit park, and consultancy services.
The document has prompted concerns over whether the state's spending aligns with the pressing needs of its residents, particularly in areas such as education and access to basic services. According to data from Nigeria's 2022 Multidimensional Poverty Index, about 730,000 children aged six to 15 in Yobe were out of school, constituting 62.9% of the state's school-age population. This statistic ranked Yobe as the third most deprived state in Nigeria for children's education, behind Kebbi and Sokoto.
The persistence of the education crisis in Yobe, compounded by ongoing humanitarian and socioeconomic challenges, is further highlighted by UNICEF's report in November 2024. The organization stated that roughly two million children across Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe were out of school, primarily due to insurgency, displacement, poverty, and other crises. Furthermore, Yobe has experienced disruptions to basic infrastructure, with 31 schools affected by floods in 2024 alone.
The project schedule also earmarked significant funds for water infrastructure and markets. Over ₦1.196 billion was allocated for the drilling of boreholes and water supply systems for newly constructed family homes, while ₦467.6 million was set aside for drilling 27 constituency boreholes. These substantial allocations, however, raise questions about the implementation and progress of these projects, particularly concerning the provision of functional water facilities for residents.
Moreover, the allocation of ₦3 billion for consultancy services warrants scrutiny, considering its size relative to other projects. The nature, scope, and implementation status of these consultancy services, including the companies or individuals involved, the contract amounts, and the work completed, should be thoroughly examined to ensure transparency and efficacy in the utilization of these funds.
Written by urgent.news from Sahara Reporters's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
