Abuja, July 30, 2025 – The United States embassy in Nigeria has drawn the attention of the public to a report on the extravagant lifestyle of Nigerian governors in spending public funds.
The report, titled “Nigeria’s ruling class splashes billions on government houses”, was published by The Africa Report and released on Tuesday, 29 July, 2025.
The report expressed growing concern over fiscal irresponsibility among Nigerian state governors.
It shared a recent investigative report that details billions spent on building or renovating government houses despite widespread economic hardship.
The report revealed how governors lavish billions on building or renovating government houses in the midst of the prevailing economic hardship plaguing the common man in the country.
It said that while President Bola Tinubu had asked Nigerians to endure the economic hardship resulting from his policies, the governors do not share in the sacrifice.
“While Nigerians are tightening their belts, the same cannot be said of the ruling class.
“Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration approved N63.4bn for the renovation of the Government House, claiming it was an embarrassment and an unbefitting facility.
“In Gombe, one of the poorest states in Nigeria, Governor Inuwa Yahaya committed N14.9bn for a new ultra-modern residence. Another N14.23bn is being spent on the House of Assembly complex,” the report read in part.
Reacting in an X post on Tuesday, the US embassy shared the link to the report alongside quotes from transparency and accountability advocacy groups.
“Such alleged lack of fiscal responsibility fuels inequality and erodes public trust,” the embassy wrote
The report criticised the political elite for extravagant spending at a time when many Nigerians are struggling with the effects of economic reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu.
“While Nigerians are tightening their belts, the same cannot be said of the ruling class
