The Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership (CACOL) has criticised the allocation of N5bn by the Jigawa and Kano state governments for Ramadan feeding programmes, arguing that the funds should prioritise critical sectors such as health, education, and infrastructure.
Recently, the Jigawa State Government approved N4.8bn for the 2025 Ramadan Feeding Programme, while the Kano State Government earmarked N1bn for a similar initiative.
Speaking to Saturday PUNCH, CACOL’s Executive Director, Debo Adeniran, condemned the expenditure, describing it as a misplacement of priorities.
He argued that the budget often failed to reach those who genuinely needed it and insisted that government resources should focus on welfare and security.
“It is the welfare and security of the people that should be their priority. There is a need for policies that will outlaw such spending,” Adeniran stated.
Meanwhile, religious leaders defended the allocations.
The Lead Missioner of the Nasrul-Lahi-L-Fatih Society, Adepoju-Alaseyori Ridwanullahi, maintained that the government should focus on providing for the people during Ramadan, saying, “This is a period the government should take care of its people and it is a moral teaching of Ramadan.”
Similarly, Dr Uthman Okanlawon, a member of the Imām-in-Council at Lagos State University, argued that as long as the funds were properly utilised, they would benefit the people.
He added, “A hungry man is an angry man. These people have been fasting even before Ramadan.”
The debate has continued to generate mixed reactions, with critics demanding better accountability and transparency in the allocation and disbursement of public funds.
