While President Tinubu Urges Nigerians to Endure Hardship, Governors Spend Billions on Government Houses — US Embassy

The United States embassy in Nigeria has spotlighted fresh allegations of wasteful spending among the country’s governors, sharing on its official X account a report that accuses several state leaders of allocating massive sums to luxury government residences even as ordinary citizens grapple with inflation and job losses.

The article, published by The Africa Report under the title “Nigeria’s ruling class splashes billions on government houses,” contrasts President Bola Tinubu’s repeated calls for Nigerians to “tighten their belts” with what critics describe as a culture of indulgence among state executives. “Such alleged lack of fiscal responsibility fuels inequality and erodes public trust,” the embassy wrote, quoting transparency advocates while posting a direct link to the investigation.

According to the report, Oyo State approved ₦63.4 billion to overhaul its Government House, a project the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde said was needed to replace an “embarrassing and unbefitting” facility. In Gombe, one of Nigeria’s poorest states, Governor Inuwa Yahaya earmarked ₦14.9 billion for a new ultra‑modern residence and another ₦14.23 billion for a House of Assembly complex. Similar projects, though smaller, were cited in at least four other states.

Analysts say the timing of these expenditures could deepen public resentment over the Federal Government’s economic‑reform programme, which has removed fuel subsidies, floated the naira, and triggered rising living costs. “When government asks citizens to sacrifice, leaders should lead by example,” said Amina Yusuf, director of the Abuja‑based Centre for Fiscal Justice, in reaction to the embassy’s post.

Neither the Presidency nor the Nigeria Governors’ Forum had issued an official response at the time of filing this report. However, civil‑society groups are calling for independent audits of all ongoing state capital projects and for stronger oversight mechanisms to ensure that public funds are directed to sectors—such as health, education, and job creation—that directly benefit Nigeria’s 213 million people.