By Ikechukwu Samuel
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has challenged Nigeria’s 36 state governors to account for billions of naira reportedly received for security and infrastructure, amid persistent insecurity and deteriorating public facilities across the country.
The rights group said fiscal data showed that 29 states received about N435.25 billion between January and June 2026 under the State Infrastructure and Security funding window.
HURIWA said the reported disbursements had made it necessary for citizens to demand evidence of how the funds were deployed and whether the spending had produced measurable improvements in security and infrastructure.
The group questioned why kidnapping, banditry, attacks on communities and displacement remain widespread in parts of the country despite increased resources available to state governments.
It also linked the funding question to persistent infrastructure deficiencies, including poor roads, collapsed schools and failing public facilities.
HURIWA specifically called on governors in states facing serious security challenges across the North-East, North-West, North-Central and South-East to demonstrate what has been achieved with resources available to their administrations.
The association said state governments should make public detailed records of funds received for security and infrastructure, alongside projects approved, contractors engaged, contract values, payments made, locations and completion status.
It noted that Nigerians should scrutinise state finances with the same intensity applied to federal spending, arguing that increased allocations should result in safer communities and improved public services.
HURIWA also drew attention to Adamawa, Anambra and Oyo, which it said recorded no actual receipts under the dedicated State Infrastructure and Security revenue line during the first half of 2026, despite budgetary provisions or expectations in some cases.
The group said the discrepancy warranted public clarification.
HURIWA further urged state Houses of Assembly to strengthen their oversight of state finances and called on civil society organisations, journalists and citizens to track the movement of public funds from state treasuries to projects on the ground.
It maintained that the responsibility for public safety cannot rest solely with the Federal Government, stressing that governors, as the closest elected authorities to citizens, must also answer for conditions within their states.
