The Ondo State Government has approved ₦8.168 billion for the construction of 32 units of four-bedroom terrace residential buildings for cabinet members, sparking public outcry over the government’s priorities.
The project, described as a “Terrace Presidential Building” project, will be constructed in Akure, the state capital.
The contract was awarded to Cosgrave Investment Ltd., a construction firm based in Abuja, and is expected to span 18 months.
Each unit is estimated to cost ₦281 million, raising eyebrows among residents and analysts who question the government’s priorities amid widespread infrastructural decay, unpaid wages, and a growing security crisis.
Residents argue that the same ₦8.168 billion could build over 200 units of 2-bedroom self-contained flats across the state, potentially opening new areas to development and providing affordable housing for teachers, nurses, and civil servants.
Some have also expressed concerns about the government’s secrecy, noting that key financial details, including Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), monthly FAAC allocations, and state expenditure, remain undisclosed to the public.
The project has also raised concerns about the government’s priorities, with some noting that the state’s school shuttle buses are grounded in multiple local government areas due to poor maintenance, and security logistics remain grossly underfunded despite a steady inflow of federal allocations and undisclosed security votes.
Citizens are calling on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to launch a full-scale investigation into the state’s finances.
