The United States Embassy in Nigeria has raised alarm over what it described as wasteful spending by some Nigerian state governors on government houses, despite the harsh economic realities facing the country.
In a post on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Tuesday, the embassy shared a report published by The Africa Report titled “Nigeria’s ruling class splashes billions on government houses.” The article highlights how some governors have approved huge sums for the construction or renovation of official residences, even as citizens continue to grapple with rising costs and inflation.
The report pointed out that while President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on Nigerians to bear the brunt of tough economic reforms, some leaders at the state level are not leading by example.
“While Nigerians are tightening their belts, the same cannot be said of the ruling class,” part of the report read.
According to the publication, the Oyo State Government under Governor Seyi Makinde approved N63.4 billion to renovate the State Government House, describing the facility as embarrassing and below standard.
In Gombe State, one of Nigeria’s least economically buoyant states, Governor Inuwa Yahaya reportedly allocated N14.9 billion for the construction of a new government residence and another N14.23 billion for a new House of Assembly complex.
The US Embassy, quoting reactions from transparency and accountability groups, warned that such alleged misuse of public funds undermines trust in governance and deepens inequality.
“Such alleged lack of fiscal responsibility fuels inequality and erodes public trust,” the embassy wrote.
The post has since sparked widespread reactions from citizens and civil society organisations, with many calling for greater financial discipline and transparency in the use of public funds by government officials.
