While Nigerians are tightening their belts, the same cannot be said of the ruling class.
The United States embassy in Nigeria has spotlighted a recent investigative report revealing that state governors have spent billions of naira on government residences while President Bola Tinubu urges citizens to endure economic hardships. The report, titled “Nigeria’s ruling class splashes billions on government houses”, highlights the contrast between calls for sacrifice and spending habits.
The publication observes: “While Nigerians are tightening their belts, the same cannot be said of the ruling class.” Among the cited examples, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde approved ₦63.4 billion for renovation of the Government House, calling the previous structure an “embarrassment and unbefitting facility.” In Gombe State, Governor Inuwa Yahaya allocated ₦14.9 billion for a new ultra-modern residence and ₦14.23 billion for a House of Assembly complex.
Commenting on the revelations, the US embassy wrote on its official platform: “Such alleged lack of fiscal responsibility fuels inequality and erodes public trust.”