A new report has revealed that 29 Nigerian state governors spent a combined ₦79.97 billion on local and international travel between January and June 2025. This marks a 14.72% increase from the ₦69.71 billion spent during the same period in 2024.
The spending spike has sparked widespread public criticism amid worsening economic conditions, mounting state debts, and minimal returns on investment efforts. According to data from the National Bureau of Statistics, only six states — Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Kaduna, Kano, and Ekiti — managed to attract any foreign capital in the first quarter of the year.
In contrast, 31 states recorded zero foreign investment during the same period, raising questions about the purpose and effectiveness of the costly trips, which are often justified as investment drives.
Among the highest spenders:
- Lagos State led with ₦6.23 billion spent on travel in Q1 alone,
- Followed closely by Osun (₦6.21 billion) and Kano (₦5.58 billion).
- Other top spenders included Taraba, Bayelsa, Ekiti, Borno, Yobe, and Edo.
By region, governors from the South-West were the biggest travelers, accounting for ₦19.92 billion (24.9% of the total). They were followed by their counterparts in the North-West (₦17.58 billion) and the North-East (₦13.92 billion).
President Bola Tinubu recently urged state leaders to redirect their focus and resources toward rural development, agriculture, education, and security. “Let us change the story of our people in the rural areas,” the president said, emphasizing the need for tangible improvements over political tours.
Critics have also pointed fingers at state assemblies for failing to exercise proper oversight. Professor Segun Ajibola noted the lack of transparency and accountability, while Professor Jonathan Aremu added that no investor would commit funds to unstable or mismanaged environments.
Source: @Sahara Reporters.
