U.S. embassy amplifies report on Nigerian governors’ lavish spending amid economic crisis

By Kunle Sanni –

The United States Embassy in Nigeria has amplified a report highlighting how some state governors are spending billions of naira on building or renovating government houses, despite the prevailing economic hardship in the country.

The report, originally published by The Africa Report and titled “Nigeria’s ruling class splashes billions on government houses”, details how several Nigerian governors are committing vast public funds to upgrading official residences and legislative buildings—despite rising inflation, subsidy removals, and widespread unemployment.

“While Nigerians are tightening their belts, the same cannot be said of the ruling class,” the report notes, contrasting President Bola Tinubu’s calls for national sacrifice with what it describes as state-level extravagance.

According to the report, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde approved ₦63.4 billion for renovating the Government House in Ibadan, citing the existing structures as “embarrassing” and unbefitting of the state’s status. In Gombe State—ranked among Nigeria’s poorest—Governor Inuwa Yahaya is reportedly building a new ultra-modern residence for ₦14.9 billion and investing an additional ₦14.23 billion in a new House of Assembly complex.

The U.S. Embassy shared the article on its official X (formerly Twitter) account, including quotes from local and international transparency advocacy groups. The move is widely interpreted as a diplomatic signal highlighting concerns over governance accountability and fiscal prudence in Nigeria.

Although the embassy did not release a formal statement, the repost has drawn attention to growing international scrutiny over how public resources are being managed in Africa’s largest economy—especially at a time when global partners are being urged to assist in Nigeria’s economic recovery.

Civil society organisations and policy experts have also weighed in, urging improved transparency in state budgets and stronger legislative oversight. “The issue isn’t just about optics—it’s about misplaced priorities,” one accountability advocate said. “When schools are crumbling, hospitals are underfunded, and workers are unpaid, spending billions on luxury residences is indefensible.”

The report has added fuel to the broader national conversation on reducing the cost of governance. Critics argue that extravagant spending by elected officials undermines public trust at a time when confidence in leadership and institutions is already fragile.