“While Nigerians tighten their belts, governors are expanding their estates. The U.S. Embassy’s latest remarks expose a tragic contradiction—where leadership luxury is prioritized over public welfare.”
The United States Embassy in Nigeria has called out Nigerian state governors for excessive spending on government mansions and buildings, even as millions of Nigerians battle hunger and worsening poverty.
Referencing a report by The Africa Report, the embassy revealed that while President Tinubu urges citizens to “tighten their belts” under his economic reforms, governors appear exempt from such sacrifice. In Oyo State, Governor Seyi Makinde approved a staggering ₦63.4 billion to renovate the Government House. In Gombe, Governor Inuwa Yahaya is spending ₦14.9 billion on a new residence, plus ₦14.23 billion more on a House of Assembly complex.
“Such lack of fiscal responsibility fuels inequality and erodes public trust,” the US Embassy tweeted.
Nigerians are suffering. Inflation stands at 22.22%. Rural poverty is at 75.5%, and according to the World Bank, Nigeria’s prosperity gap is worse than many peers globally.
Yet our leaders live in comfort, untouched by the hardship they help create.
What Can Be Done?
For the Government:
Prioritize spending: Basic needs like food, healthcare, and education must come first. Grand buildings can wait.
Strengthen oversight: Anti-graft agencies and civil society must track and publicize every state’s spending.
Institutional reform: Make citizen input part of budget planning. Let the people say what really matters.
For the Masses:
Speak out: Social media, town halls, protests—whatever your platform, use it to demand accountability.
Vote wisely: In 2027 and beyond, vote not for bags of rice, but for leaders with a track record of empathy and service.
Support transparency efforts: Back NGOs, journalists, and platforms exposing waste and corruption.
A nation where leaders build castles while citizens eat crumbs cannot thrive. It’s time we stopped normalizing waste and started demanding wisdom.
Nigeria doesn’t lack money—it lacks mercy in leadership.