"Hardship Like Labor Pains": US Declares, Shares Report on How Govs Spend Billions on Govt Houses
- The US Embassy flagged a report revealing Nigerian governors are spending billions on government house upgrades amid economic hardship
- The Africa Report exposed how states like Oyo and Gombe approved N63.4bn and N14.9bn respectively for lavish government buildings
- Activists said the spending is tone-deaf, and accused leaders of ignoring citizens’ suffering and calling for greater fiscal accountability
FCT, Abuja - 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.
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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."
Source: Facebook
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.
Analyst says spending is tone-deaf
A human right activist Samuel Aye, while speaking to Legit.ng on Wednesday, July 30, criticised the spending, saying it shows the government is disconnected from the daily realities of its citizens.
He said:
“It’s unacceptable. Many Nigerians are skipping meals, businesses are shutting down due to high fuel costs, yet public officials are upgrading their living spaces with taxpayers' money.”
Another activist, Chioma Nwafor of the Centre for Social Equity, stated:
“This report confirms what many citizens already suspect, those in power are living large while the people suffer. It’s time for accountability.”
The publication has stirred widespread debate online, with many Nigerians demanding that elected officials prioritise healthcare, education, and infrastructure over personal comfort.
Peter Obi blasts Tinubu over external borrowing
Previously, Legit.ng reported that Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in 2023, Peter Obi, said Nigeria is still ranked low in all major human development indicators despite many loans.
Obi said Nigeria’s current total debt is about N187 trillion under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
The former Anambra state governor said Nigeria’s debt might likely be over N200 trillion by the end of 2025.
Proofreading by Funmilayo Aremu, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
