By Paul Joseph
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has challenged the claim that President Bola Tinubu’s administration released ₦50 billion to the state for the upgrade of the Ladoke Akintola International Airport, Ibadan.
Makinde said no such federal allocation was given to him or the Oyo State Government, insisting that the airport rehabilitation project is being financed entirely by the state.
The governor’s response followed comments by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, during a television programme on Monday, where Wike reportedly said the Tinubu administration supported Oyo State with ₦50 billion for the airport project.
Addressing the issue on Tuesday during the Makinde/Daura 2027 Presidential Town Hall meeting in Katsina, Makinde described the claim as false.
“I want to say that claim is false. The President did not give me or Oyo State N50 billion to upgrade the Ibadan Airport,” Makinde said.
According to him, the ongoing airport upgrade is being funded “100 per cent” by the Oyo State Government.
Makinde said he chose to clarify the matter after his attention was drawn to Wike’s comments before proceeding with other issues at the Northwest consultative engagement.
The governor’s remarks have now placed the financing of the Ibadan Airport project at the centre of a fresh public dispute involving two prominent political figures within Nigeria’s political landscape.
Wike had made the claim while speaking on TVC’s Journalists’ Hangout, suggesting that the Federal Government had provided substantial financial support for the airport upgrade under Tinubu.
Makinde, however, maintained that Oyo State is responsible for funding the project and did not receive the alleged ₦50 billion from the President.
The governor was in Katsina as part of a Northwest consultative meeting involving his presidential campaign organisation, political stakeholders and other participants ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Makinde said the engagement was designed to provide an opportunity for stakeholders to meet with the presidential candidate, discuss issues and listen to concerns from the region.
The dispute over the alleged airport funding comes amid increasing political activity ahead of the 2027 elections, with politicians across different platforms intensifying consultations and public engagements.
Makinde’s denial puts the question of who is financing the Ibadan Airport upgrade firmly back in the public spotlight, particularly the claim concerning the alleged ₦50 billion federal contribution.
Leave a Reply