By Zaharaddeen Ishaq Abubakar | Katsina Times
A fresh investigation has revealed that over ₦459 million earmarked for constituency projects in Safana, Batsari, and Danmusa Local Government Areas of Katsina State is largely unaccounted for — with many of the projects either unexecuted or nonexistent.
The exposé, carried out by WikkiTimes in collaboration with popular comedian Dan Bello, shows that despite multiple allocations for roads, solar streetlights, agricultural support, and empowerment schemes between 2019 and 2024, the physical evidence of these interventions is almost entirely missing on the ground.
In January 2019, the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) disbursed ₦12.2 million for the repair of a collapsed bridge in Batsari. That same year, the Federal Ministry of Power paid ₦67.8 million to Misterich Ltd for road rehabilitation along Katsina–Batsari–Safana–Karfi–Funtua Road. A further ₦39.3 million was paid to Allied Victory Nigeria Ltd in February 2022 for similar road works. However, the roads remain in a state of disrepair, with no visible improvements.
In 2022, Gorrion Engineering Ltd and Diamond Leeds Ltd reportedly received ₦290 million for the installation of solar-powered streetlights across the three LGAs. Field investigation revealed that fewer than 30 streetlights were installed per LGA — many of them nonfunctional or deliberately positioned in politically loyal neighbourhoods.
“In Danmusa, we’re still living in darkness,” lamented resident Aminu Lawal, who alleged that installations were skewed in favour of ruling party supporters.
Similarly, Puranova Nigeria Ltd received ₦21.3 million in 2019 for fertilizer distribution in Batsari, and additional funds were reportedly released in 2024 for agricultural training. But farmers say they never benefited.
“In Safana, only 80 bags of fertilizer were shared, all of which went to politicians,” said local farmer Yunusa Abdullahi.
In another instance, Prime Initiatives Consulting Ltd was paid ₦22.8 million in 2019 to distribute motorcycles across four LGAs, including Safana, Batsari, and Danmusa. The investigation found that only 13 motorcycles reached actual beneficiaries.
“We saw photos on Facebook, but not a single motorcycle came to our area,” said a resident of Safana.
Despite receiving millions, Misterich Ltd and Allied Victory Nigeria Ltd have not carried out any observable road rehabilitation, according to locals in Safana and Batsari. A reported culvert construction in Yantumaki could not be confirmed by residents, and the same applies to the so-called bridge repairs in Batsari.
Other promised amenities such as computers, generators, and rural electrification were also found to be non-existent. Only one generator was spotted in Bakin Kasuwa, Yantumaki — and it was not operational.
The investigation further uncovered that companies such as Gorrion Engineering and Diamond Leeds share the same management, while others like Puranova, Misterich, and Thunder ICT Skills have no proven operational presence in Katsina State.
Attempts to reach the federal lawmaker representing the area, Hon. Iliyasu Abubakar, for comments were unsuccessful as he neither answered calls nor responded to WhatsApp messages.
In Nigeria, lawmakers often nominate and influence constituency projects in national budgets. These projects are meant to improve livelihoods but are frequently awarded to shell companies or allies, creating opportunities for embezzlement under the guise of public service.
As millions vanish without impact, communities in Safana, Batsari, and Danmusa are left in darkness, poverty, and neglect with no one held accountable.
