US Slams Nigerian Governors Over Wasteful Spending, Dapo Abiodun’s Extravagant Birthday Bash Condemned
The recent 65th birthday celebration of Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, has ignited widespread public criticism over what many see as an extravagant show of wealth at a time of deepening economic hardship in Nigeria.
Held at a beachside venue and graced by top dignitaries from across the nation, the opulent event has been labelled a tone-deaf spectacle, especially given the current struggles of many Ogun residents.
The backlash has now attracted international attention, with the United States Embassy in Nigeria issuing a pointed rebuke of such excessive spending by state leaders.
In a statement released Tuesday via its official X (formerly Twitter) account, the U.S. Embassy highlighted the Nigerian governors’ wasteful spending, saying it is “completely out of touch with the suffering of ordinary Nigerians.”
Gov. Dapo Abiodun’s Birthday Beach Party
“While Nigerians are tightening their belts, the same cannot be said of the ruling class,” the embassy wrote, calling attention to a wider pattern of financial irresponsibility among state governors.
The criticism follows an investigative report exposing the scale of luxury spending across various Nigerian states. In Oyo State, Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration has reportedly earmarked N63.4 billion for Government House renovations—a project even he admitted was “an embarrassment.” Gombe State, one of Nigeria’s most impoverished regions, has seen Governor Inuwa Yahaya set aside N14.9 billion for a new government residence and another N14.23 billion for a House of Assembly complex.
The embassy did not mince words, describing these projects as “a clear demonstration of fiscal irresponsibility,” adding that “such alleged lack of fiscal responsibility fuels inequality and erodes public trust.”
This diplomatic rebuke lands amid the harsh realities of ongoing economic reforms, including fuel subsidy removal and currency devaluation. These measures have led to spiraling inflation, job losses, and increasing hardship across households.
Civic groups and watchdog organizations have joined the growing chorus of condemnation, urging a shift toward more responsible and people-focused governance. They argue that state funds should be directed toward critical infrastructure, healthcare, and education, not vanity projects and elite celebrations.
The U.S. Embassy’s rare public condemnation marks a significant international concern over Nigeria’s governance practices, underscoring the urgent need for transparency and reform at the sub-national level. Read More
