It is unclear how the refrigerator purchase will function as an intervention given Kebbi’s unreliable electricity supply.
A review of Kebbi State’s 2025 budget has revealed that the government plans to spend N1.359 billion on 1,000 fridges and freezers under the Ministry of Special Duties as a “special intervention” project — averaging N679,800 per unit.
The allocation surpasses budgets for critical sectors, including the state Water Board (N589 million), College for Preliminary Studies, Yauri (N525.8 million), and Sir Yahaya Memorial Hospital (N1.053 billion). Other allocations below the fridge-and-freezer budget include N220 million for general hospitals, N1.052 billion for the College of Nursing Sciences, and N420 million for the College of Health Sciences and Technology, Jega.
Accountability group MonITng criticised the state’s priorities, citing the “heartbreaking” condition of Gayi Primary Health Centre in Kalgo LGA, which serves over 8,000 residents. The group said that while the centre’s exterior was freshly painted, the interior lacked beds, equipment, and staff, with patients sleeping on mats.
It is unclear how the refrigerator purchase will function as an intervention given Kebbi’s unreliable electricity supply.
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