By Muhammad Mamman
The U.S. Mission in Nigeria has lambasted President Tinubu and state governors for alleged financial recklessness, accusing them of squandering billions on lavish residences while citizens endure severe hardship. In a scathing #TransparencyTuesday post on X, the U.S. highlighted reports from TheAfricaReport, BudgIT, and CISLAC, condemning leaders for prioritising opulent buildings over schools, clinics, and agriculture.
“While Nigerians are told to bear economic ‘labour pains,’ governors splurge on palatial homes,” the U.S. stated, quoting BudgIT’s warning of misplaced priorities and CISLAC’s lament of “more money, little accountability.” Such actions, the U.S. argued, deepen inequality and erode public trust.
Since taking office, Tinubu has reportedly spent N20 billion on a vice-presidential residence and a new presidential jet, while his policies—fuel subsidy removal and exchange rate unification—have driven fuel prices from N145 to around N900 and the naira from N700 to over N1,500 per dollar. With inflation at 23.7% and Nigeria leading globally in acute food insecurity in 2024, per the 2025 Global Report on Food Crises, the IMF and World Bank warn of rising poverty, with Nigeria projected to have the highest number of extremely poor people by 2027.
