Auditor-General’s Report Flags ₦23.83 Billion Unbudgeted Spending by Enugu State Government Under Governor Peter Mbah

Severe questions regarding financial transparency and fiscal discipline have emerged in Enugu State following findings contained in the latest Auditor-General's report. The report reveals that the administration of Governor Peter Mbah executed capital expenditure projects exceeding approved budget allocations by ₦23.83 billion.

​According to the financial review, affected Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) recorded an actual expenditure of ₦26.46 billion, despite having only ₦2.64 billion allocated to them in the revised budget. The resulting ₦23.83 billion shortfall highlights widespread spending without required legislative or budgetary approval.

​The audit details major spending discrepancies across key state organs:

​The Office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) recorded substantial unbudgeted expenses, spending ₦2.382 billion on utility vehicles against a revised allocation of ₦480 million—an excess of ₦1.902 billion. The SSG office also spent ₦8.98 billion on project initiatives without any revised budgetary provision recorded.

​The Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-Industrialization spent ₦4.004 billion on setting up and upgrading abattoir facilities in Ogbete, Garriki, Emene, and Abakpa, alongside ₦1.398 billion on agricultural consulting, both without corresponding budgetary provisions.

​The Office of the Executive Governor was cited for spending ₦3.75 billion on flood control and road rehabilitation, ₦330.41 million on Government House lounge renovations, and ₦227.5 million on replacing waste bins, all lacking revised budgetary cover.

​The Enugu State Internal Revenue Service (EiRS) exceeded allocations by spending ₦322.62 million on office equipment against a provision of ₦75.05 million, while also spending ₦168.54 million on high-capacity solar installations.

​While capital spending ballooned beyond approved limits, the Accountant-General's report noted contrasting performance on social obligations: while pensions recorded ₦9.16 billion (112.9% of budget), gratuities for retired civil servants received only ₦1.92 billion out of an allocated ₦15.10 billion—a mere 12.73% performance.

​The audit findings have reignited public debate among civic groups and opposition stakeholders, who demand immediate legislative oversight and accountability regarding the administration's fiscal management.