The United States Mission in Nigeria has raised concerns over reports that some state governors are splurging billions on new government mansions, even as millions of Nigerians face deepening economic hardship.
Quoting The Africa Report, the U.S. Mission noted that while the federal government urges citizens to endure economic challenges “like labor pains,” certain state leaders are allegedly prioritizing luxury projects over basic needs.
Budget transparency watchdog BudgIT Nigeria weighed in, warning: “Instead of funding schools, clinics, or agriculture, leaders prioritize buildings they barely use.”
Similarly, the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) decried the lack of fiscal discipline, stating: “There is more money, little accountability, and no priority.”
Executive Director of BudgIT, Gabriel Okeowo, emphasised: “Budgeting should reflect the urgent needs of the people, not the desires of a few in power. Lavish government buildings do nothing for the average citizen who cannot afford basic food items.”
CISLAC’s Executive Director, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, added: “This trend of misplacing public funds for grandiose structures is a betrayal of public trust. It must stop.”
The criticism comes at a time when the cost of living has soared, with inflation, subsidy removal, and naira depreciation biting hard into household incomes.
Public outrage continues to mount over the disconnect between political elites and the citizens they serve.
“This kind of opulence erodes public trust and deepens inequality,” the U.S. Mission said under its #TransparencyTuesday campaign.
Human rights advocate, Omoyele Sowore, joined the conversation, tweeting: “These are not government houses; they are monuments to impunity!”
The spotlight now falls on governors to defend their spending patterns and demonstrate accountability.
With growing international and domestic scrutiny, civil society groups are urging a return to people-centered governance.
The post “Tinubu Asks Nigerians To Endure Economic Hardship While Governors Lavish Money On Govt. Houses They Don’t Use” – U.S. Mission appeared first on Information Nigeria.
