Nigerian Governor Under Fire for ₦1.8 Billion Abuja Lodge Project Amid Funding Crisis
Nigerian Governor Under Fire for ₦1.8 Billion Abuja Lodge Project Amid Funding Crisis
The Ekiti State Government is facing criticism for spending ₦470 million on a ₦1.8 billion lodge in Abuja for Governor Biodun Oyebanji and his deputy, Monisade Afuye. This development comes amid reports that many government agencies have gone without funding for essential projects.
According to the budget description, the funds were allocated for the “Construction of New governor and deputy governor lodge, Asokoro, Abuja.” The state government has already disbursed ₦470 million toward the project between January and September 2025.
The Controversy: 35 government agencies received no capital funding in 2024 despite having a combined budget of ₦3.3 billion. Some of the affected agencies include:
– Ministry of Education, Science and Technology
– Deputy Governor’s Office
– Ekiti State Mortgage Board
– Civil Service Commission
– Ekiti State Liaison Office, Abuja
– Ekiti State Liaison Office, Lagos
Multiple contracts worth billions of naira were awarded to “permanent secretaries” rather than independent contractors, raising questions about transparency and due process. Some of these contracts include:
– ₦3.3 billion contract for the supply and installation of an Instrument Landing System at the Ekiti State Airport Project
– ₦281.731 million contract for internal electrification and installation of a 1MVA, 33/0.415KVA transformer at the Ekiti State Cargo Airport
– ₦320 million contract for the construction of a guest house chalet within the Government House
Critics argue that the state government is prioritizing luxury projects over essential services like education, healthcare, and infrastructure. The development has sparked calls for accountability and stricter monitoring of public expenditure in Ekiti State.
