Taraba emerges Nigeria’s epicentre of abandoned federal projects despite increased allocations
Taraba State Faces Disappointment Despite Surge in Federal Allocations
Jalingo, Nigeria – As federal allocations to Taraba State are set to increase significantly, from N17.86 billion in 2023 to N56.1 billion in 2024, expectations for enhanced infrastructure and public services have risen sharply. However, recent findings suggest that optimism may be misplaced.
A report by BudgIT’s civic accountability platform, Tracka, indicates that Taraba has become a focal point for abandoned federal government projects, undermining hopes for fiscal stability and development. According to the report, public funds appear to be tied up in incomplete or nonexistent projects, with many existing only in official budget documents.
During the 2024 budget cycle, Taraba recorded the highest number of abandoned federal projects in Nigeria. Out of 298 federal initiatives outlined in the budget, Tracka’s monitoring revealed that only 46 were completed. Meanwhile, 29 projects were abandoned, 12 remained ongoing, eight were never executed, and one project was reportedly delivered fraudulently.
Residents in various communities are witnessing the long-term consequences of this trend, as unfinished classroom blocks and locked health centers sit idle, reinforcing the growing sentiment that sufficient funding does not guarantee tangible development.
The issue extends beyond Taraba. Tracka’s report highlights that abandoned projects in five states were valued at N7.8 billion out of a total of N8 billion released for such initiatives. Taraba led with 29.90 percent of these abandoned projects, followed by Abia State at 20 percent, and Nasarawa at 10.53 percent. Notably, 17 states reported no abandoned federal projects during the same period.
BudgIT emphasizes the need for robust accountability and oversight in public project execution. “These findings reflect deep-rooted failures in governance,” the organization stated, warning that increased funding without effective oversight exacerbates waste.
Mr. Osiyemi Joshua, head of Tracka at BudgIT, underscored the importance of rebuilding public trust through stronger monitoring and citizen engagement. He advocates for thorough tracking of projects from approval to completion, along with clear penalties for contractors and officials who fail to meet standards.
The report illustrates that, despite substantial annual revenues and budget approvals, many government projects across Nigeria do not yield meaningful benefits for citizens. It cites weak monitoring systems, poor contractor performance, and insufficient accountability as ongoing challenges.
For Taraba State, the statistics tell a disheartening tale: increased funding has not translated into successful project completion. Financial expert Uba Sanusi raised concerns that unless transparency and accountability improve, abandoned projects are likely to continue characterizing development not just in Taraba but nationwide.
Mallam Salisu Umar, another expert, expressed disappointment over the lack of project execution despite federal allocations. He urged authorities to disclose the names of contractors awarded contracts who subsequently failed to deliver. “Publishing these names is essential and should be complemented by enforcing consequences—either compelling contractors to resume work or refunding the funds,” Umar suggested.
As the situation develops, the call for greater transparency and accountability in project execution remains urgent, highlighting a critical area for reform in Taraba and beyond.
