The expenditure adds to a growing list of government spending on kitchen facilities and event-related items that have drawn public scrutiny in recent months.
A review of the public payments portal, Govspend, by SaharaReporters has revealed that the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) spent N43 million on the purchase of kitchen utensils for its headquarters.
According to records on the portal, the payment was made on July 31, 2025, for the installation of kitchen utensils and related items at NASENI’s headquarters. Information on the exact items procured was not immediately available on the platform.
The expenditure adds to a growing list of government spending on kitchen facilities and event-related items that have drawn public scrutiny in recent months.
Previously, SaharaReporters reported that the Presidency under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu spent a total of N32.2 million in August 2024 on the replacement of major kitchen items. That payment was made to Rock of Ages Total Event Limited, a private firm that has received multiple government contracts within a short period.
The revelations come amid increasing public concern over fiscal discipline and transparency in government spending, particularly at a time when officials frequently cite limited resources as a major constraint on governance and service delivery.
Further analysis of Govspend records shows that Rock of Ages Total Event Limited received five separate payments totalling N250 million between March 15 and July 15, 2024, largely for event decoration services.
On July 15, 2024, the State House disbursed N68.4 million to the company for Democracy Day decorations. Earlier, on July 5, an additional N19.9 million was paid for the decoration of a 300-seater hall at the Sheraton Hotel.
Similarly, on May 24, the Federal Government spent N131.9 million on full-scale decorations for State House events organised by the First Lady, which included programmes for women, youths, and children.
An earlier transaction dated May 17 showed that N22.5 million was spent on decorations at the new State House Banquet Hall, including flower arrangements and services for the Commander-in-Chief’s office during a three-day fast-breaking event. On March 15, another N7.5 million was paid for decorations at the same venue.
Beyond spending on decorations and kitchen items, other government expenditures have also raised concerns.
On June 27, 2024, a total of N403 million was allocated for toilet renovations at the headquarters of the Federal Ministry of Justice. Of this amount, N158 million was reportedly spent on renovation work, while an additional N245 million was paid to Optional Concepts Limited for related projects.
These expenditures have continued to fuel debate over government priorities and accountability in the management of public funds.