States across Nigeria earmarked a combined ₦525.23 billion for security votes and related operations between 2023 and 2025, according to an analysis of figures extracted from their approved budget documents.
The states’ budgets are contained in Open States, a BudgIT-backed website that serves as a repository of government budget data.
The massive vote, intended to bolster security nationwide, raises critical concerns about the efficacy of these measures, as citizens remain increasingly vulnerable to the tide of violence.
Although the responsibility for ensuring the safety of lives and property lies with the Federal Government, the increasing wave of kidnapping, robbery, and other forms of violence has compelled many state governors to set up their own internal security strategies to combat the menace.
However, these efforts have not yielded the desired results as criminals continue to operate with impunity, terrorising the citizens.
The PUNCH
