United States Embassy in Nigeria has raised fresh concerns over the alarming rate at which the Federal government and some state Governors are spending public funds despite widespread poverty, rising inflation, and deteriorating public services across the country.
In a post shared on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, the U.S. Mission spotlighted a report by The Africa Report that detailed how various state Governors have splashed billions of naira on the renovation or construction of Government houses and legislative buildings. The embassy noted that this pattern of “fiscal irresponsibility” not only fuels inequality but also erodes public trust in governance.
The report, which has since stirred reactions across civil society, highlighted that a governor in the South West approved a staggering ₦63.4 billion to renovate the Government House, surpassing the state’s allocations to health, agriculture, and pension combined.
A state in the North East reportedly earmarked ₦14.9 billion for a new Governor’s residence and ₦14.23 billion for a new House of Assembly complex in a state ranked among Nigeria’s poorest.
Across several other states, similar renovation projects have consumed state funds totaling nearly ₦200 billion between 2023 and 2025.
Analysts say these expenses represent a stark misplacement of priorities in a country where millions lack access to decent housing, healthcare, and quality education.
Critics say some state Governors may have simply taken cues from the Federal Government. The FG has at various times been accused of wasteful spending amid worsening living conditions for the masses.
A year ago, there was public uproar over billions allocated to renovate the Vice President’s official residence, even as millions of Nigerians remain homeless or displaced. They Carried out the project.
The Federal Government, through the Ministry of the Federal Capital Territory, also went ahead with the renovation of the International Conference Centre in Abuja at an enormous cost of #38 billion, despite widespread condemnation.
There was also public disapproval over billions used to purchase brand-new Prado Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) for federal lawmakers, as well as the controversial purchase of a yacht, a new jet for the Presidency, and the installation of solar lights in Aso Rock . The hoopla and complains and disapprovals cut no ice.
They took from the economy at a time when inflation hovers near 24%, fuel prices quadrupled, and over 60% of Nigerians live below the poverty line.
“These spending patterns reflect a disconnect between the political elites and the everyday realities of Nigerian citizens,” said BudgIT, a civil society organisation monitoring public finance.
The U.S. Embassy’s intervention, though subtle, underscores growing international concern over governance and accountability in Nigeria. It raises the question: will this quiet rebuke by a foreign partner prompt any rethink among Nigeria’s power holders?
So far, the signs are not encouraging.
In spite of public disapproval, the Federal and state Governments have largely gone ahead with the controversial projects, ignoring calls for austerity, transparency, and citizen-focused budgeting.
As the cost of living crisis deepens and Nigeria’s fiscal space shrinks further, many fear that the poor, who are already down, will continue to stay down or even sink deeper into despair and despondency.
BudgIT, a civil society organisation monitoring public finance said:
“Instead of fixing schools and clinics, our leaders are busy beautifying the places where they stay and work.”
The U.S. Embassy’s intervention, though subtle, underscores growing international concern over governance and accountability in Nigeria. It raises the question: will this quiet rebuke by a foreign partner prompt any rethink among Nigeria’s power holders?
So far, the signs are not encouraging.
In spite of public disapproval, the Federal and some state Governments have largely gone ahead with the controversial projects, ignoring calls for austerity, transparency, and citizen-focused budgeting.
As the cost of living crisis deepens and Nigeria’s fiscal space shrinks further, many fear that the poor, who are already down, will continue to stay down or even sink deeper into despair.