Lagos, Kwara, Abia, Ogun, and Imo states have been identified as the states with the highest rates of fraudulently delivered projects in 2024, according to the BudgIT Tracka analysis of 2024 budget projects.
The report, launched on Wednesday, indicated that these fraudulently delivered projects are characterised by significant irregularities, including the diversion of project funds, disbursements for projects completed in previous budget cycles without new implementation, and poorly executed or substandard delivery.
Imo (17.43 percent), Lagos (12.73 percent), Kwara (11.76 percent), Abia (10.67 percent), and Ogun (8.33 percent) recorded the highest rates of such projects. Together, these states account for 57.1 percent of fraudulently delivered projects, representing N8.61 billion out of a total N15.07 billion disbursed for projects in this category.
Imo State, referred to as the “Eastern Heartland,” had an estimated population of 5.4 million and a landmass of 5,530 square kilometers as of 2022. The state recorded consistent revenue growth, increasing from N21.1 billion in 2023 to N25.3 billion in 2024—a 20 percent rise.
Despite a 70.95 percent increase in federal allocations, project execution outcomes were mixed, with an overall 42 percent completion rate and concerns around governance effectiveness.
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The report showed that from the 2024 Federal Government budget, Imo State was allocated 570 ERGP and ZIP projects valued at N77.02 billion, reflecting a 170.07 percent increase over the N22.37 billion in 2023. Tracka monitored 109 projects amounting to N5.70 billion.
“Findings show that 56 projects were completed, 22 were ongoing, 12 had not commenced, and 19 were fraudulently delivered, pointing to persistent execution and accountability challenges,” said Osiyemi Joshua, the head of Tracka at BudgIT.
Lagos State was also caught in the web, despite dominating Nigeria’s fiscal landscape with IGR rising from N815.9 billion in 2023 to N1.26 trillion in 2024—a 54.6 percent increase. This accounted for over 37 percent of total subnational revenue, reinforcing Lagos’ position as the country’s economic powerhouse.
However, the report showed that from the 2024 Federal Government budget, Lagos was allocated 1,013 ERGP and ZIP projects valued at N351.89 billion, reflecting a 43.51 percent increase over the 2023 allocation.
Tracka monitored 110 projects amounting to N34.72 billion. Of these, 56 projects were completed, 21 had not commenced, 19 were ongoing, and 14 were fraudulently delivered.
The report also showed that Kwara recorded solid revenue growth, with internally generated revenue increasing from N59.6 billion in 2023 to N71.2 billion in 2024, representing a 19.4 percent increase.
In the 2024 Federal Government budget, Kwara was allocated 585 ERGP and ZIP projects valued at N70.97 billion, a 162.16 percent increase over the 2023 allocation.
However, Tracka tracked 102 projects amounting to N9.06 billion. Of these, 52 projects were completed, 31 had not commenced, 7 were ongoing, and 12 were fraudulently delivered, raising significant concerns about procurement integrity.
Abia State It was a similar case for Abia State, which hosts the Aba market—a central hub for textiles, leatherworks, and small-scale manufacturing. Under the administration of Governor Alex Otti, Abia recorded significant growth in IGR, increasing from N20.1 billion in 2022 to N23.7 billion in 2023, and surging to N40.0 billion in 2024.
While this growth reflects improved fiscal capacity, project outcomes reveal substantial implementation challenges. Despite increased capital investments, only about 39 percent of monitored projects were completed.
From the 2024 Federal budget, Abia was allocated 514 ERGP and ZIP projects valued at N96.8 billion. Of the 75 projects tracked (N10.84 billion), 8 were handled fraudulently.
Ogun State recorded strong revenue growth, increasing from N146.9 billion in 2023 to N194.9 billion in 2024. In the 2024 federal budget, Ogun received N275.7 billion for 932 projects.
Of the 89 projects tracked (N23.5 billion), 6 were fraudulently delivered. While revenue mobilization remains strong, execution gaps continue to undermine value for money.
