FG Did Not Give Oyo N50bn For Airport Upgrade – Makinde

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has disputed claims by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, that the Federal Government provided N50 billion to support the upgrade of the Ibadan International Airport.

Makinde, speaking during the Makinde/Daura 2027 Presidential Town Hall meeting in Katsina on Tuesday, said the state government did not receive any such funding from the Federal Government, insisting that the airport expansion project was financed entirely by Oyo State.

The governor was reacting to comments made by Wike during a television programme, where the minister reportedly stated that the President Bola Tinubu-led administration supported Oyo State with N50bn for the airport project.

Makinde described the claim as inaccurate, saying the state government undertook the upgrade of the Ladoke Akintola International Airport, Ibadan, using its own resources.

“The President did not give me or Oyo State N50 billion to upgrade the Ibadan Airport. The Ibadan Airport upgrade project is being undertaken 100 per cent with the funds of Oyo State,” Makinde said.

The governor added that the project was part of the state government’s efforts to improve infrastructure and expand economic opportunities in the state.

The disagreement comes amid ongoing public discussions over funding responsibilities between federal and state governments on major infrastructure projects.