Withholding of NLNG dividend hindering states’ progress – Makinde

The presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement, APM, and Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has said the failure of states to receive their share of Nigeria LNG, NLNG, dividends is hindering development planning and infrastructure investment across the federation.

Makinde said the delay had dealt a major setback to subnational development, forcing states to put some planned infrastructure projects on hold.

He made the remarks on Friday at the 2027 budget stakeholders’ consultative engagement held in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

Speaking at the event, Makinde said each state was entitled to ₦250 billion from the NLNG dividends but regretted that the funds had been withheld until after the 2027 general elections.

He said the delay had affected the implementation of projects identified to expand Oyo State’s economy and improve infrastructure.

Makinde said, “Each state was supposed to get ₦250 billion. We had already identified projects that would expand Oyo State’s economy.

“But they have now said the money will not be paid until after the election. Is the election more important than the people of Nigeria?”

The governor argued that withholding the funds until after the elections undermined economic and social development across the states.