A political clash has erupted in Nigeria’s Edo State over allegations of wasteful government spending on international travel, as state officials face scrutiny for allocating billions of naira to foreign trips amid infrastructure challenges. The Edo State chapter of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) accused Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration of squandering ₦3.51 billion (approx. $2.24 million) on overseas engagements in the first half of 2025, while failing to secure foreign investments.
The criticism followed a National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) report revealing that Edo was among 30 Nigerian states that collectively spent ₦11.75 billion on international travel and training in Q1 2025 without attracting foreign direct investment (FDI). Only seven regions—Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Kaduna, Kano, Ekiti, and the Federal Capital Territory—recorded FDI inflows during the period. Edo’s expenditure, totaling ₦349.3 million and $227,918 during the quarter, drew sharp rebuke from the PDP, which labeled the spending a “shameful jamboree” in a strongly worded statement.
Chris Osa Nehikhare, spokesperson for the PDP’s caretaker committee, argued that the funds should have been redirected to address crumbling infrastructure, delayed salaries, and inadequate public services. “Edo’s leadership is opening its wallets for endless trips while citizens endure poor roads, dilapidated schools, and erratic power,” the statement read, urging transparency and an immediate halt to “frivolous indulgences.”
In response, Governor Okpebholo’s office defended the expenditures as strategic investments. Fred Itua, the governor’s chief press secretary, described the administration as “purpose-driven,” emphasizing that official trips aimed to forge partnerships and attract long-term benefits. He dismissed the PDP’s criticism as hypocritical, citing the party’s own governance record: “Unlike the PDP era of shopping expeditions disguised as official travel, every kobo spent under this government serves Edo’s progress.”
The dispute underscores broader debates in Nigeria over fiscal responsibility and development priorities. While state governments frequently cite overseas engagements as vital for economic growth, critics argue such spending rarely translates to measurable gains. With infrastructure deficits plaguing Edo and other regions, the controversy highlights tensions between political promises and public accountability. Authorities have yet to publish detailed itineraries or outcomes linked to the trips, leaving citizens questioning whether the expenditures align with urgent local needs.
