Nigerian Governors Deny Alleged Disbursement of N1.08tn By Federal Government, Challenge Senate President’s Claims

ISEYIN, OYO STATE – Nigerian governors have refuted claims made by Senate President Godswill Akpabio that the Federal Government disbursed N1.08tn to states to alleviate hardship experienced across various states.

Addressing a gathering in Iseyin on Thursday, February 22, 2024, Governor Makinde of Oyo State, also the Vice-Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), rebutted Akpabio’s assertion.

Speaking on behalf of fellow State Governors, Makinde stated that neither Oyo State nor any other state received such funds.

“I can speak definitively for Oyo State, and on behalf of my colleagues, being the Vice-Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum. We are well-informed, and I can assert that no such disbursement has occurred. We cannot allow such misinformation to go unchallenged,” Governor Makinde affirmed.

Clarifying further, he stated, “The FIRS does not directly allocate funds to states. All revenues collected are pooled into the Federation Account, then distributed amongst the tiers of government. Therefore, assertions of direct disbursements to states are unfounded.”

He continued, “We must engage with our citizens effectively. If our policies are ineffective, we must heed their concerns and adjust accordingly.

“Misleading statements only erode public trust and do not address the underlying issues of hunger and dissatisfaction.”

Regarding Akpabio’s statement about alleged N30 billion disbursement to states for food security, Governor Makinde reiterated, “There is no truth to claims of such disbursements. I challenge anyone to prove otherwise, both for Oyo State and other states.”

It was previously reported that during a plenary session on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, Akpabio mentioned an unverified report suggesting that each state government had received an additional N30 billion from the Federal Inland Revenue Service to combat inflation and food scarcity.

Akpabio was quoted saying, “There are unconfirmed reports suggesting that each state government has recently received an extra N30 billion from the Federal Inland Revenue Service, in addition to their regular allocations from the Federation Account, to address food shortages.”

In response to these claims, Governor Makinde emphasized, “We must focus on tangible actions rather than mere rhetoric. Nigerian citizens demand real solutions to their challenges, particularly concerning food security. We, as leaders, must deliver on our promises without excuses.”

Other state governors have also refuted receiving any N30 billion from the Federal government for palliative measures in their respective states.