Nigerian Governors Spend N512bn on Offices and Travel

In the first half of 2026, thirty-three state governments in Nigeria collectively spent at least N512.10bn on Government Houses, Governors’ Offices, and travel expenses. This amount is approximately 4,713 times greater than the combined six-month salary of Nigeria’s 36 governors, which is estimated at N108.65m.

Kogi State led the expenditure with N65.34bn. The report highlights the significant financial resources allocated to these areas amidst ongoing economic challenges.

Additionally, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission reported that 19 oil licences, including 12 Petroleum Prospecting Licences and seven Oil Prospecting Licences, are set to expire in 2026, with some marked for possible extension or conversion. This situation coincides with new upstream licensing awards and the Federal Government's "drill or drop" policy.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Chairman, Brig Gen Buba Marwa (retd.), emphasized the need for asset seizures from drug lords to combat trafficking effectively.