The United States embassy in Nigeria has raised alarm over what it describes as extravagant and irresponsible spending by several Nigerian state governors, especially during a period of economic hardship.
In a statement shared on Tuesday via its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, the embassy referenced a new report that exposed how governors are spending billions of naira on luxury government buildings while ordinary Nigerians struggle with rising poverty and inflation.
The report highlights how some governors have approved huge sums for the renovation or construction of government residences and assembly complexes, despite calls from President Bola Tinubu for citizens to endure tough economic reforms.
“While Nigerians are tightening their belts, the same cannot be said of the ruling class,” the report noted.
Specifically, it mentioned that Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, approved N63.4 billion to renovate the Government House, describing it as “an embarrassment and unbefitting.” In Gombe State, one of Nigeria’s poorest, Governor Inuwa Yahaya is spending N14.9 billion on a new ultra-modern residence, and another N14.23 billion on a new House of Assembly complex.
The US embassy, quoting transparency and accountability advocates, warned that such “lack of fiscal responsibility fuels inequality and erodes public trust.”
The report has sparked fresh debate over government spending priorities and the need for greater accountability in the management of public funds.
