Abia Blames Typo for ₦210m Photocopier Allocation in 2026 Budget
The Abia State Government has clarified controversies surrounding an alleged budgetary allocation of ₦210 million for the purchase of a photocopier in its 2026 Appropriation Law, attributing the figure to a technical error in the budget document.
The clarification follows widespread public criticism and commentary after portions of the budget circulated online suggested that an unusually high sum had been earmarked for the procurement of a single photocopier.
A statement by the Abia State Ministry of Budget and Planning explained that the state’s budget documents only outline spending intentions and estimates, and do not automatically translate into actual fund disbursement.
The ministry noted that the 2026 budget was officially published on the state government’s website on January 31, 2026, as part of efforts to promote transparency and public access to government financial plans.
According to the ministry, the correct budgetary allocations are clearly stated on page 60 of the approved document. It said ₦210,831,142 was earmarked for the rehabilitation and repair of residential buildings and staff quarters at the Abia State Lagos Liaison Office.
In addition, the ministry said ₦12,000,000 was approved for the procurement of one Sharp photocopier and other sundry office equipment for the liaison office.
However, the ministry acknowledged that a clerical error occurred during the final compilation of the voluminous budget document, which affected figures presented on page 289.
It explained that a misalignment of text and figures led to the incorrect impression that ₦250,000,000 was allocated for the purchase of a photocopier, noting that the amount actually belonged to a separate and larger capital project elsewhere in the budget.
The statement added that the affected agency had since been notified of the error and corrective steps had been taken.
“There was no inflation of costs for the photocopier procurement. The error was purely clerical and presentational,” the ministry stressed.
The ministry further emphasised that all government procurements are subject to statutory approval processes, including reviews by the Departmental and Ministerial Tenders Boards, final certification by the Finance and General Purpose Committee, and approval by the State Executive Council.
“Budget documents contain estimates and spending intentions and do not automatically translate to fund disbursement,” the statement read.
The state government reiterated its commitment to fiscal transparency and accountability, assuring residents that public funds would be managed in line with due process and established financial regulations.
