Outrage In Abuja: U.S. Embassy Condemns Excessive Spending On Official Residences Amid Hardship

The United States Embassy in Nigeria has expressed alarm over the extravagant spending by some state governors on official residences, despite the harsh economic realities confronting ordinary Nigerians.

In a post shared via its official handle on Tuesday, the embassy referenced a report by The Africa Report titled “Nigeria’s ruling class splashes billions on government houses.”

The article slammed the opulent projects being pursued by several state governments, highlighting a glaring contradiction with President Bola Tinubu’s call for Nigerians to endure the economic strain caused by his administration’s policies.

“While Nigerians are tightening their belts, the same cannot be said of the ruling class,” the publication noted.

It cited Oyo State, where Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration approved ₦63.4 billion to renovate the Government House, calling the existing facility “an embarrassment and unbefitting.”

Similarly, in Gombe—one of Nigeria’s most impoverished states—Governor Inuwa Yahaya reportedly earmarked ₦14.9 billion for a new ultra-modern government residence, in addition to ₦14.23 billion allocated for constructing a new House of Assembly complex.

By sharing the report, the U.S. Embassy amplified the voices of transparency and accountability advocates, who sharply criticised the excessive spending habits of Nigerian political leaders.

“This alleged lack of fiscal responsibility fuels inequality and erodes public trust,” the embassy stated, underscoring growing concerns about governance and financial stewardship in the country.