The Bauchi State House of Assembly has been allocated N132 million for the purchase of six scanners, with each scanner expected to cost a staggering N22 million. This extravagant spending has sparked concerns over alleged financial mismanagement, particularly when weighed against the state's pressing needs.
Breakdown of the Allocation
- *Scanners*: N132 million for 6 scanners, translating to N22 million per scanner
- *Printers*: N15.5 million per printer for principal officials
- *Chairs and Tables*: N132 million for 64 chairs and tables, with each item costing N1 million
- *Vehicles*: N440 million for 20 vehicles, averaging N22 million per vehicle
- *Laptops*: N16.8 million for 7 laptops, averaging N2.4 million per laptop
Comparison with Market Prices
A look at market prices reveals significant discrepancies ¹ ²:
- *HP Deskjet 2720 Printer*: available for N70,000 - N800,550
- *Canon PIXMA G2411 All-in-One Printer*: available for N300,000
- *HP LaserJet Pro M404dn Printer*: available for N550,000
Concerns and Implications
The Bauchi State House of Assembly's luxurious spending has raised concerns about the prioritization of government funds. With 48% of households in Bauchi State lacking access to clean drinking water, many residents are questioning the allocation of funds to luxury items ³. The implications of this spending spree may lead to increased scrutiny of government expenditures and calls for greater transparency and accountability.
