Despite ongoing calls to reduce governance costs and limit borrowing, 12 state governors have collectively appointed more than 4,835 aides since taking office in 2023, Saturday PUNCH reports.
The 1999 Constitution allows governors to appoint various aides, including Special Assistants, Special Advisers, and others, to help in their duties. However, some governors have significantly increased their number of aides, contributing to concerns about excessive spending.
Among the most notable, Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo appointed 170 aides in May 2023, followed by Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni, who appointed 24 aides around the same time. The trend continued with Adamawa, Kano, and Plateau States, among others, making similar appointments.
This increase in the number of aides comes as these states face rising domestic and external debts. For example, Niger State’s domestic debt grew from N121.95 billion to N139.80 billion in just six months under Governor Mohammed Bago, while Plateau State saw its debt rise from N157.62 billion to N173.93 billion in the same period under Governor Caleb Mutfwang.
The domestic and foreign debts of these states have surged, raising concerns about financial management and the sustainability of such appointments. Experts, including Olujide Oke, Chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors in Lagos, have emphasized the need to cut unnecessary spending and reduce the number of government appointees to ensure more funds are available for critical development projects.
