Abia Govt Clarifies N210m Photocopier Allocation, Blames “Technical Error”

 

The Abia State Government has dismissed public concerns over a N210 million budgetary allocation allegedly meant for the purchase of a photocopier in its 2026 budget, describing it as a technical error during the final compilation of the budget document.

The clarification follows widespread criticism and social media commentary questioning the huge sum earmarked for a single office machine.

In a statement released on Saturday, the State Ministry of Budget and Planning said the controversial figure did not reflect the cost of a photocopier. Rather, it was the value assigned to a larger capital project that was displaced due to formatting issues in the budget document.

“The figure that appeared beside the photocopier item on page 289 is not the provision for a photocopier,” the ministry said. “It is, in fact, the value for a different, larger capital project elsewhere in the budget, which was displaced by the formatting error.”

The ministry clarified that the actual budget for the photocopier and other sundry office equipment remains ₦12 million as correctly stated on page 60 of the budget document.

According to the statement, all government procurements follow strict legal and procedural approvals, including checks by tenders boards, the Finance and General Purpose Committee, and the State Executive Council.

The ministry further explained: “On page 60 of the said document, the correct provisions are clearly stated: ₦210,831,142 was allocated for the rehabilitation and repair of residential buildings and staff quarters at the Lagos liaison office, while ₦12 million was set aside for the procurement of one Sharp photocopier and other office equipment for the same office.”

The ministry described the misalignment on page 289 as purely clerical, adding that it led to a misinterpretation of the figures. It assured that the relevant agency has been informed of the correction.

In conclusion, the ministry apologized for the confusion and reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, fiscal discipline, and accountability in the management of public funds.