An investigation by Sahara Reporters into Nigeria’s public payment portal Govspend has revealed that the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has spent millions of naira on infrastructure works for government officials’ residences.
According to payment records published on the Government Expenditure website, the NIS paid N8.2 million for the repair of an overhead water tank at the residence of the Inspector General of Immigration Services (CIS) in Datsen Kure, Minna, Niger State.
The payment was made to a company identified as Assist Energy Limited, described on the portal as “repair of overhead tank at CIS residence”, and was made in February 2024.
Govspend is a federal transparency platform that tracks government spending and payments by departments and agencies (MDAs) as part of an effort to improve public accountability and access to fiscal information.
The report comes amid deep concerns about public sector spending priorities, particularly as some government agencies continue to face funding constraints that impact service delivery and infrastructure maintenance.
In a related development, Sahara Reporters also reviewed Kogi State’s 2025 budget proposal, which revealed a separate allocation for the construction of overhead water tanks at private residences of state legislators.
According to the budget document, an item was included to “construct overhead tanks in the residences of 25 honorary members.” A total of N12 million was allocated for the project.
Both federal spending and state-level appropriations recorded in Government Spending confirm ongoing debates over transparency, fiscal discipline, and the use of public funds for government employees’ residence-related facilities.
Concerns have been raised about the prudence of public officials. For example, a budget of NOK 119 million was reportedly earmarked for the purchase of a Land Cruiser for the Secretary-General of the Nigeria Energy Commission.
According to the budget statement, the funds are directed toward “the purchase of a brand new Toyota Land Cruiser Jeep for the Executive Director/CEO of the Commission.”
Previously, SaharaReporter also reported that the Office of the Head of the Federal Government (OSGF) plans to spend NOK 496 million on copy machines and office furniture.
The budget explanation stated, “Purchase of office equipment, including the supply and installation of a large 3-number copy machine for the end room of the cabinet office, and the supply of office furniture.”
A review of the approved 2025 budget revealed that the sum of N100 million was approved for the purchase and supply of grinding machines for empowerment in Ifako-Ijaiye Federal Constituency of Lagos State under the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
Further investigation revealed that an additional N100 million had been earmarked for the supply and distribution of grinding machines in the Bonny/Degema Federal Constituency in Rivers State, which also falls under the jurisdiction of the Office of the Secretary to the Federal Government.
