In a revelation sparking widespread public outrage, Zamfara State has come under intense scrutiny following reports that the government spent a staggering N974 million on foreign trips in 2024, while allocating less than half of that amount to security—despite persistent and deadly attacks by armed bandits across the state.
Documents obtained from the state's financial records reveal that while the administration approved close to a billion naira for overseas travel expenses—including official tours, conferences, and diplomatic engagements—security funding, which remains the most critical concern for residents, received a markedly lower priority with just under N450 million allocated.
Zamfara, one of Nigeria’s most severely affected states by banditry, has witnessed repeated attacks leading to mass displacement, abductions, and loss of lives, with communities crying out for better protection and swift government intervention.
Civil society groups, opposition leaders, and concerned citizens have condemned the state government's budgeting choices, calling it “irresponsible and tone-deaf.” Many are demanding a full audit of the expenditures and a redirection of funds toward frontline security and victim support.
“This kind of fiscal misalignment shows a government disconnected from the daily reality of its people,” said Amina Galadima, spokesperson for the Zamfara Civil Watch Network. “Foreign trips do not save lives—investment in security infrastructure does.”