U.S. Embassy has slammed Nigerian Governors for lavish spending amid widespread poverty.
NewsOnline Nigeria reports that the United States Embassy in Nigeria has expressed concern over the extravagant spending by state governors on luxurious government buildings, despite widespread economic hardship facing millions of Nigerians.
In a post shared Tuesday via its official (formerly Twitter) account, the embassy highlighted an investigative report by The Africa Report titled “Nigeria’s ruling class splashes billions on government houses,” which details the growing disparity between political elites and the citizens they govern.
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The report sharply criticised several state governments for approving multi-billion naira projects for government residences and facilities, even as President Bola Tinubu has urged Nigerians to endure the economic strain caused by his administration’s reform policies.
“While Nigerians are tightening their belts, the same cannot be said of the ruling class,” the report noted, calling attention to the disconnect between leadership and the public.
Among the cases cited, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State reportedly approved ₦63.4 billion to renovate the Government House, describing the current facility as “an embarrassment and unbefitting.”
Similarly, in Gombe State, one of Nigeria’s least economically developed regions, Governor Inuwa Yahaya is said to have allocated ₦14.9 billion for a new ultra-modern residence, along with an additional ₦14.23 billion for a new House of Assembly complex.
By reposting the report, the U.S. Embassy amplified growing criticism from civil society groups and transparency advocates, stating:
“Such alleged lack of fiscal responsibility fuels inequality and erodes public trust.”
The embassy’s remarks add to mounting pressure on Nigerian leaders to demonstrate greater transparency, accountability, and sensitivity to the economic realities of their constituents.
