By Coolnews.ng Political Desk | November 1, 2025
The Ekiti State Government has come under public scrutiny following revelations that it has commenced the construction of a new multi-billion-naira lodge for Governor Biodun Oyebanji and his deputy, Mrs. Monisade Afuye, in the Asokoro area of Abuja, the nation’s capital.
According to official budget documents obtained from the state’s Open Contracting Portal, the project—titled “Construction of New Governor and Deputy Governor Lodge, Asokoro, Abuja”—is valued at ₦1.8 billion. Out of this amount, ₦470 million has already been released and expended between January and September 2025.
The development has raised eyebrows among citizens and civil society organizations, particularly as it comes amid reports that several key government ministries and agencies in the state have been starved of funds for their capital projects.
Several Agencies Left Without Funding
A detailed review of Ekiti State’s audited financial statements for the year ending December 2024 revealed that 35 government agencies received no funding whatsoever for their capital expenditure during the period.
The affected institutions include the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology; the Deputy Governor’s Office; Independent Project Monitoring Office; Ekiti State Boundary Commission; Ekiti State Mortgage Board; and both the Abuja and Lagos Liaison Offices.
Others listed were the Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Capital Development Authority, Ekiti State Pension Board, Ministry of Information and Values Orientation, Office of Establishment and Service Matters, Civil Service Commission, Office of Political and Economic Affairs, and the Office of Capacity Development and Reforms.
In total, the capital budget for the affected agencies stood at ₦3.3 billion, a figure that highlights growing concerns over the state government’s spending priorities.
Contracts Awarded to “Permanent Secretaries”
Further scrutiny of the state’s contracting records uncovered an unusual trend — multiple contracts worth billions of naira were reportedly awarded to unnamed “Permanent Secretaries” rather than identifiable corporate contractors, raising serious concerns about transparency and due process.
For example, a contract for the Supply and Installation of an Instrument Landing System at the Ekiti State Airport Project, worth ₦3.3 billion, was awarded directly to a “Permanent Secretary” under the Ministry of Transportation.
Similarly, another contract for the procurement of an 18-seater Sunray bus and four Bajaj motorcycles, valued at ₦75.1 million, went to a “Permanent Secretary.”
Additional contracts allegedly awarded to the same category of government officers included:
₦281.7 million for internal electrification and transformer installation at the Ekiti Cargo Airport;
₦275.9 million for airport terminal floodlights and solar streetlights;
₦280 million for a dedicated 33KVA power line from Federal Polytechnic Ado-Ekiti to the airport;
₦75.3 million for police security portacabins;
₦42.9 million for additional office space for airline agencies; and
₦31 million for four observation spots at the state airpairport.
Two more contracts for “airport operational and other equipment,” valued at ₦1.162 billion each, were also awarded under similar opaque circumstances.
Public Outcry Over Priorities
The decision to invest heavily in a new luxury lodge in Abuja has drawn widespread criticism from residents and analysts, who argue that such projects do not align with the state’s pressing socio-economic needs.
Many observers have questioned why the government is prioritizing a multi-billion-naira residence for top officials in Abuja while critical sectors such as education, health, and rural infrastructure are reportedly underfunded.
A civil society advocate who spoke to Coolnews.ng on condition of anonymity described the development as “a reckless show of elite comfort in the face of public hardship.”
“This is a state that owes pensions, where hospitals lack basic facilities, and schools struggle with dilapidated buildings,” the activist said. “Spending ₦1.8 billion on a governor’s lodge in Abuja is indefensible.”
Government Yet to Respond
As of the time of filing this report, the Ekiti State Government has not issued any official statement explaining the rationale behind the project or addressing the transparency concerns surrounding the contract awards.
Efforts by Coolnews.ng to reach the Commissioner for Information and the Director-General of Budget and Planning were unsuccessful, as calls and messages were not returned.
Observers say the controversy underscores the growing demand for openness in governance and prudent management of public resources, particularly in states grappling with high debt burdens and widespread poverty.
Facebook Comments