Presidency Dismisses Makinde’s NLNG Dividend Claim

The Presidency has rejected Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde's assertion that the Federal Government is holding back ₦250 billion in Nigeria LNG dividends for each state until after the 2027 general election. The statement was issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who emphasized that the claim is misleading and that no such funds exist.

Makinde made the claim during the 2027 Budget Stakeholders’ Consultative Engagement at the University of Ibadan. He argued that each state is entitled to ₦250 billion from NLNG dividends, but the federal government has withheld the funds until after the elections. He also questioned whether the election is more important than the people of Nigeria.

The Presidency urged Nigerians to disregard Makinde’s claim, stating that the allegation misrepresents how the federation account operates. The statement highlights a disagreement over the allocation of NLNG dividends and the timing of their release.