The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised state governors for failing to improve citizens’ welfare despite receiving higher allocations from the federal government.
The party’s spokesman, Bolaji Abdullahi, said governors now have more resources following the removal of the fuel subsidy, but the extra funds have not translated into better living conditions for people.
Abdullahi noted that the current generation of governors has received more money than any previous administration, yet citizens have not seen meaningful benefits at the state level. He questioned how the funds, freed by the subsidy removal, have impacted everyday life in the states.
The criticism comes after President Bola Tinubu’s administration removed fuel subsidies in May 2023, a move that sharply increased fuel prices. Tinubu stated that the money saved would support infrastructure and other state-level needs, resulting in increased allocations to governors.
Some governors, however, have defended the increased funding. Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori recently highlighted a rise in state resources, citing the N39.3 billion Otovwodo flyover project as an example of how the funds are being used for development.
Despite these claims, ADC insists that the extra money has yet to improve livelihoods nationwide, arguing that citizens should feel tangible benefits from the increased allocations, not just see infrastructure projects. The party continues to call for accountability and better management of public funds at the state level.
