EXCLUSIVE: Jigawa Governor Splashes N1.8Billion On Luxury Vehicles Amid Mass Poverty, Awards Contract For 12 More SUVs For Convoy, Wives

Despite recurring calls for fiscal discipline and the state's persistent struggles with revenue generation, Jigawa State Governor, Umar Namadi, has reportedly spent N1.8 billion on four luxury vehicles for his official convoy.

In addition, he has awarded contracts for the purchase of 12 more Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs), SaharaReporters has authoritatively gathered.

According to sources, the newly acquired fleet includes two 2025 model luxury Toyota Hiace buses, one 2025 Land Cruiser, and an armoured 2025 Lexus.

"The vehicles are parked close to the clinic in the Government House and were brought in last Saturday," a source told SaharaReporters.

Another insider alleged that the “amounts spent on them are heavily inflated, and then the contract process is filled with illegality."

Beyond this initial procurement, Governor Namadi is preparing to take delivery of an additional 12 SUVs, reportedly meant for his convoy and his two wives.

"His two wives are expected to get two SUVs each, while his own convoy will retain eight SUVs, when the new purchase of 12 SUVs arrives," one of the sources familiar with the development confirmed to SaharaReporters.

This spending spree comes amid alarming fiscal and social indicators in the state. Jigawa generated just N6.9 billion in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) in the first half of 2025, according to official budget performance records. Yet, within the same period, the state borrowed N10.9 billion.

SaharaReporters also learned that the contract for the vehicles was awarded to a current member of Governor Namadi’s cabinet.

"The contract was awarded to a commissioner in the cabinet who acted as the contractor on the project," a source revealed.

When contacted for comment, the state information commissioner, Sagir Musa, denied knowledge of the development.

"I am not aware of the development," he stated.

The governor’s apparent prioritisation of luxury over basic social needs is drawing increasing criticism. Jigawa continues to battle widespread poverty, with 73% of households lacking access to sanitary facilities and 43% deprived of basic education.

While billions are allocated to luxury vehicles, SaharaReporters found that the administration has offered minimal support to vulnerable communities. Recently, the government distributed small quantities of maize, groundnuts, and palm oil to 600 women for pap-making.

Additionally, the administration handed out Tom Brown—a mixture of groundnut, millet, and corn—to 600 women with malnourished children. Yet, the problem remains acute in local government areas like Birniwa, Garki, Babura, Maigatari, Kiri Kasamma, and Mallam Madori.

Despite budgeting N23.8 billion for road rehabilitation in the first half of the year, Jigawa spent nothing on that sector.

Similarly, the government allocated N6.065 billion for hospital and health facility rehabilitation and N670 million for erosion and flood control—but spent zero naira on both.

Critics say the contrast between the luxury purchases and the neglect of critical infrastructure paints a grim picture of misplaced priorities in the state’s governance.

WATH: Jigawa Governor Splashes N1.8Billion On Luxury Vehicles Amid Mass Poverty, Awards Contract For 12 More SUVs For Convoy, Wives pic.twitter.com/P084eVIdzz

— Sahara Reporters (@SaharaReporters) July 30, 2025