IKWUANO, NIGERIA – Civic-tech organization BudgIT has raised fresh concerns over accountability in Abia State’s local government system, listing the state among 18 that failed to publish any local government budget data on official platforms.
In its latest report, “The Missing Tier,” BudgIT positioned Abia among the worst performers in fiscal transparency nationwide, noting that the state’s 17 local governments receive an estimated monthly allocation of ₦9.3 billion—over ₦300 billion disbursed between May 2023 and December 2025—yet there is scant verifiable evidence of corresponding capital projects.
The report comes amid a legal battle between Ikwuano LG Chairman, Anthony Nwaubani, and a journalist over an alleged ₦19 million fraud story. Nwaubani has challenged the report in court, demanding ₦3.1 billion in damages.
BudgIT criticized the state’s Joint Local Government Account system, which it said undermines financial autonomy. Critics argue that while official narratives suggest chairmen control funds, many lack full visibility into allocations, receiving only about ₦6.7 million monthly for security.
“The current framework weakens governance at the local level and limits community-driven development,” the report stated.
The findings contrast with Governor Alex Otti’s pre-election pledges to ensure transparency and financial autonomy for local councils.
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