Bodija explosion: Why we’ve not spent N30bn FG fund — Oyo govt

The federal government additionally revealed that the Federal Authorities is but to launch the excellent N20 billion steadiness from the N50 billion accredited to help the reconstruction of Outdated Bodija and its environs following the January 16, 2024, explosion.

In a press assertion issued on Thursday by Musibau Babatunde, Commissioner for Funds and {Economic} Planning and Prince Dotun Oyelade, Commissioner for Data, the state authorities disclosed that the entire N30 billion lies untouched within the Oyo State authorities infrastructure help account quantity 2045199879 with the First {Bank}.

The state authorities defined that it intentionally kept away from accessing the funds as a result of the remaining N20 billion was being withheld by related federal companies, with none official clarification.

The assertion reads: “Following the unlucky explosion that occurred on January 16, 2024, within the Bodija space of Ibadan, and being conscious that intervention funds exist on the federal stage for states dealing with emergencies, His Excellency, the Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde, formally wrote to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, requesting approval for {financial} help to help the state in managing the catastrophe.

“Within the letter dated January 19, 2024, Governor Makinde outlined the instant steps already taken by the Oyo State Authorities to mitigate the impression of the explosion. These measures included the deployment of earth-moving tools to help search-and-rescue efforts; the hospitalisation of injured victims with all medical payments totally coated by the state authorities; the deployment of ambulances and medical personnel to the scene; and the availability of lodging for displaced victims in resorts on the expense of the state authorities.

“The governor then highlighted extra areas the place federal help was required. These included: clearing of rubble and particles as a part of continued search and rescue operations; instant integrity exams on buildings inside the affected axis and demolition of unsafe constructions; compensation for homeowners of affected properties; reconstruction of Outdated Bodija and its environs; enlargement of the emergency response hub; environmental impression evaluation; logistics help and reimbursement; and infrastructural improvement required to revive normalcy to Bodija and surrounding communities after the huge destruction.

“To deal with these wants, the Oyo State Authorities estimated the price of intervention at N100 billion and requested the President’s approval for that quantity.

“The president, nevertheless, accredited N50 billion— half of the requested sum.

“The aim of the accredited fund was clearly said by the Federal Authorities as ‘Help for the reconstruction of Outdated Bodija and environs after the Bodija explosion.” (See memo dated 29 August 2024, from the Accountant Basic of the Federation to the Minister of Finance, launched by the political agent of the Federal Authorities, Mr. Ayo Fayose).

“Following the approval, an Oyo State Authorities Infrastructure Help Account (No. 2045199879) was opened with First {Bank} of Nigeria for the intervention fund.

“Out of the accredited N50 billion, the Federal Authorities, by the Central {Bank} of Nigeria (CBN), launched N30 billion to Oyo State on November 4, 2024.

“As of yesterday, December 31, 2025, the N30 billion remained untouched within the Oyo State infrastructure account with the First {Bank}. members of the general public might confirm this info with the {bank}.

“The Oyo State Authorities has intentionally kept away from utilising the N30 billion already launched in recognition of the truth that the remaining N20 billion has remained withheld by the related federal companies for causes that haven’t been communicated to the state.

“Given the disgraceful drama of the final couple of days from the Federal Authorities on the approval, the federal government of Oyo State is satisfied of the knowledge of its choice to ‘wait and see’ earlier than deciding what to do with the cash.

“Virtually two years after the catastrophe, the Federal Authorities has but to launch the excellent steadiness of N20 billion from the accredited sum of N50 billion.

“The Oyo State Authorities stays dedicated to securing the steadiness of the accredited funds to comprehensively deal with the harm brought on by the explosion to each private and non-private properties. That is notably essential given the size of the challenges confronted by the state and the victims, a lot of whom have already been supported inside the {financial} capability of the state authorities.

“Following the explosion, Nigerians are conscious of the swift and sustained efforts of the Oyo State Authorities, which considerably mitigated the consequences of the catastrophe. The state authorities didn’t anticipate federal intervention, which got here in November 2024, nearly a 12 months after the incident.

“As of at the moment, January 1, 2026, the Oyo State Authorities has spent N24.6 billion from its personal assets on Bodija and its environs in direct response to the explosion and its penalties. This contains N20.141 billion spent on the reconstruction of infrastructure in Bodija and surrounding areas, in addition to N4.085 billion paid as help and compensation to victims of the explosion. These expenditures had been totally borne by the Oyo State Authorities.

“Paperwork launched by the Federal Authorities by its agent, Mr Ayo Fayose, point out {that a} whole of N915.5 billion was accredited as intervention funds for states throughout the nation. The listing of beneficiary states exhibits that one South-West state obtained N150 billion, whereas one other obtained N50 billion. Oyo State, regardless of experiencing one of the devastating incidents, obtained one of many lowest allocations amongst beneficiary states. members of the general public might seek the advice of the listing for verification.

“Particular intervention funds, when launched, are obtained as capital grants. In keeping with commonplace apply and authorized necessities, such funds are subjected to the budgeting course of earlier than expenditure and are duly mirrored within the {financial} statements of the state. They don’t require particular public bulletins upon receipt. This explains why different states that obtained considerably bigger quantities didn’t publicly promote the receipt of such funds.

“The Oyo State Authorities, beneath the management of His Excellency, Engineer Seyi Makinde, appreciates the continued help and understanding of the folks of the state. The federal government notably thanks the folks for his or her discernment in seeing by makes an attempt by determined political actors to use the 2024 tragic occasions of Bodija to achieve an undeserved foothold in our state for private and political beneficial properties.

“The Oyo State Authorities has nothing to cover and can proceed to interact the general public transparently on all points, together with this one.

“Governor Makinde stays dedicated to serving the folks of Oyo State faithfully, in truth, and with utmost respect for the social contract that binds authorities to the ruled. He has by no means denied anybody what’s legally resulting from them and won’t accomplish that.

“The Governor and the Authorities of Oyo State want the folks a contented, peaceable, and affluent 2026.”