The United States Embassy in Nigeria has drawn attention to a new investigative report exposing how some Nigerian state governors are spending billions of naira on building or renovating government houses.
The embassy noted that the revelation came despite the country’s worsening economic crisis.
In a post shared on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Tuesday, July 29, the embassy said the spending patterns, as revealed in The Africa Report, show a concerning lack of fiscal responsibility by members of the Nigerian ruling class.
The US embassy wrote, quoting comments from transparency and accountability groups:
“Such alleged lack of fiscal responsibility fuels inequality and erodes public trust.”
US: Nigerian governors spend billions as citizens struggle
The publication titled “Nigeria’s ruling class splashes billions on government houses” revealed how state governments continue to prioritise luxurious projects over public welfare, The Cable reported.
This comes even as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu continues to urge Nigerians to endure economic hardship caused by his economic reforms.
“While Nigerians are tightening their belts, the same cannot be said of the ruling class,” the report noted.
Making Oyo State as reference point, the report noted that the state government led by Governor Seyi Makinde reportedly approved N63.4 billion to renovate the Government House, calling the current state of the building “an embarrassment.”
Again, the reported mentioned Gombe State, ranked among Nigeria’s poorest, Governor Inuwa Yahaya spent N14.9 billion on constructing a new ultra-modern residence.
Additionally, another N14.23 billion has been allocated for building a new House of Assembly complex.
