The Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, has called for a major overhaul in the way government ministries and agencies approach procurement, particularly in relation to the annual purchasing of assets such as vehicles, computers, and office utensils.
In a statement made today, El-Rufai criticized the consistent practice of Nigerian ministries, agencies, and parastatals replenishing their assets annually, regardless of the actual condition or lifespan of those items. He emphasized that many of these assets, including vehicles, computers, and office equipment, do not have an expiration date and should not be replaced on a yearly basis.
“Vehicles, computers, and utensils don’t expire every year, yet ministries and other government entities keep purchasing new ones as part of their budgetary allocations. This is a waste of public resources and a contributing factor to Nigeria's fiscal challenges,” said El-Rufai.
He pointed out that the recurring expenditure on these assets drains the country’s budget, especially when many government offices already possess equipment that is still in working condition. According to El-Rufai, such wasteful procurement practices result in a situation where the government is spending on items that should only be replaced when absolutely necessary.
As Nigeria prepares its 2025 budget, El-Rufai urged the federal government, state governments, and local authorities to adopt more sustainable procurement practices. He suggested that a comprehensive inventory of existing government assets be conducted to identify and assess the actual needs of each ministry, rather than relying on the routine replacement of items that are still functional.
“Rather than purchasing new vehicles and computers year after year, it is time for government agencies to prioritize maintenance, repair, and responsible management of existing assets. This will not only save public funds but also contribute to the long-term efficiency of government operations,” he added.