-State governments in Nigeria received a combined N5.22 trillion in 2024, an increase of 45.5% from 2023. Despite this, opposition parties, economists, and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) criticize the lack of tangible benefits to the public, with concerns about the governors’ failure to address poverty and basic needs.
-The NLC and opposition parties demand better accountability and performance from state governors. They argue that while state allocations have increased, projects and policies are failing to reach the people, with some governors failing to pay the new minimum wage and leaving security and infrastructure neglected.
-Governors like AbdulRazaq of Kwara and Dapo Abiodun of Ogun face criticism from opposition parties for their claims of increased infrastructural development despite the higher allocations. Critics argue that the focus on certain areas and projects, such as the renovation of hotels and roads in specific regions, doesn’t benefit the broader population.
-Many opposition parties and critics across Nigerian states, including Bauchi, Benue, and Ekiti, argue that the increased federal allocations to state governments are not translating into tangible development. Despite significant funds, there is a lack of noticeable improvements in infrastructure, with specific projects, such as roads and schools, either incomplete or insufficient. Critics also highlight the ongoing neglect of basic needs like affordable housing for civil servants.
-Economists, such as Friday Odeh and Kola Dare, stress the need for transparency in the management of state funds. They argue that governors have not justified their allocations with visible outcomes like poverty alleviation or infrastructure development. Experts emphasize that the focus should be on measurable results, transparency in budgetary processes, and citizen participation in governance to ensure the effective use of resources.
-While some governors, like Kwara’s AbdulRazaq, attribute improvements in state development to President Tinubu’s policies, others, including opposition figures, continue to criticize the slow progress in crucial areas. They argue that despite the increased allocations, many states still suffer from poor infrastructure, high debt, and inadequate public services, with citizens seeing little benefit from the additional funding.
Peoplesmind
