Extravagance in Economic Crisis: Governors’ lavish convoys raise eyebrows
Amid economic hardship, some Nigerian state governors continue to flaunt their luxurious lifestyles, maintaining large, costly convoys at taxpayers’ expense. Despite calls for austerity and the removal of fuel subsidies, which have increased federal allocations, many governors have failed to cut down on the cost of governance, raising questions about their commitment to reducing public expenditure.
In a bid to lead by example, President Bola Tinubu, on October 24, restricted ministers and federal agency heads to a maximum of three vehicles in their official convoys, accompanied by five security personnel. Reports indicate that several federal ministers have adhered to this directive. However, many state governors appear to have ignored the call for fiscal prudence.
Governors’ Convoy Extravagance
Nasarawa State:
Governor Abdullahi Sule reportedly has a convoy of 15 high-end vehicles, including Chevrolet Jeeps, Lexus SUVs, Toyota Land Cruisers, and Prados. A single trip can cost over ₦1.1 million in fuel. Despite these figures, his Senior Special Assistant, Peter Ahemba, defended the governor’s prudence, noting that Sule avoids chartered flights to save state funds.
Adamawa State:
Governor Ahmadu Fintiri matches Sule’s convoy with 15 vehicles, including six Toyota Prado SUVs (2024 models), each costing between $62,830 and $100,665. The governor’s numerous media aides and cabinet members further add to the state’s expenses, with Fintiri appointing over 80 aides and 24 commissioners. Efforts to get comments from his team were unsuccessful.
Zamfara State:
Governor Dauda Lawal uses a 2025 BMW 760i series, costing ₦197.8 million. The BMW, along with eight SUVs and five Hilux vehicles in his convoy, consumes significant amounts of fuel, with taxpayers bearing the brunt.
Delta State:
Governor Sheriff Oboreveori operates a convoy exceeding 15 vehicles, including a Lexus SUV and Mercedes 580. The fuel cost for a single journey exceeds ₦1 million, while his administration faces criticism for its lavish travel and protocol expenses.
Plateau State:
Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s convoy of 12 vehicles includes luxury brands like the Lexus 600 SUV and Range Rover models. Fuelling the convoy costs taxpayers nearly ₦1 million per trip.
Katsina State:
Governor Dikko Radda and his deputy maintain convoys of 11 and four vehicles, respectively, with Lexus and Toyota models. Filling up these vehicles costs approximately ₦1.5 million per week.
Lagos State:
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s convoy features 11 vehicles, including his Land Cruiser 409 TT and two BMW motorcycles, costing upwards of ₦115,500 per trip.
Osun State:
Governor Ademola Adeleke’s convoy includes 11 vehicles, including two Lexus SUVs. His administration reportedly spent ₦527 million on refreshments and meals in the first nine months of 2024.
Governance and Wasteful Spending
Despite their lavish spending on convoys, several governors also maintain large cabinets and high numbers of political appointees, which further burden state budgets:
Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum has 168 aides, including 81 Senior Special Assistants and 78 Special Assistants.
Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri employs 700 Senior Special Assistants, with over ₦1.1 billion allocated for food and refreshments in his office.
Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has embarked on three costly foreign trips in recent weeks, attending events in the UAE and China.
Public Backlash and Defence
Critics have condemned these governors for their failure to prioritise the welfare of citizens during the ongoing economic crisis. Rising inflation, high fuel prices, and a struggling naira have left many Nigerians grappling with poverty, yet governors continue to prioritise luxury.
READ ALSO: Tinubu to present N47.9trn 2025 budget to N’Assembly Dec 17
Defending his principal, Peter Ahemba claimed that Governor Sule’s fiscal prudence is unmatched, highlighting his avoidance of private jets. Similarly, Benue Governor Alia’s Technical Adviser on Publicity, Solomon Iorpev, attributed the size of Alia’s convoy to overzealous appointees.
However, Nigerians are increasingly calling for accountability and demanding governors emulate President Tinubu’s directive on convoy size to cut costs.
Conclusion
While President Tinubu’s cost-cutting measures have gained traction at the federal level, state governors’ reluctance to adopt similar practices reflects poorly on their governance. As Nigerians struggle under economic pressures, the extravagant lifestyles of some state leaders remain a glaring contradiction to the austerity measures needed to build a more sustainable economy.
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