Ibadan airport: Wike lied, FG never gave Oyo N50bn – Makinde - Punch Newspapers
FILE: The Minister, Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike and Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde.
The Presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement and Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has accused the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, of lying over the alleged N50bn funding from the Federal Government for the upgrade of the Ibadan International Airport.
Makinde, who spoke while addressing supporters at the Makinde/Daura 2027 Presidential Town Hall meeting in Katsina on Tuesday, said the Oyo State Government did not receive any N50bn from the Federal Government, adding that the expansion of the Ladoke Akintola International Airport, Ibadan, was fully funded by the state government.
Wike, while appearing on TVC’s Journalists’ Hangout programme on Monday, had claimed that the President Bola Tinubu-led administration supported the Oyo State Government with N50bn for the airport project.
Reacting during the meeting, monitored on television by our correspondent, the governor maintained that the state government had undertaken the project without the alleged Federal Government funding, stressing that the claim that N50bn was provided for the airport was untrue.
Makinde stated, “We are here at the Northwest Consultative Meeting. We met with our candidate, stakeholders, and listened to you.
“But before I go into a few things, let me start by saying that my attention was drawn to an interview granted yesterday by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, where he said that the President gave N50 billion to Oyo State to upgrade the Ibadan Airport to international standards.
“I want to say that claim is false. 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.”
Abdulrahman is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with nearly a decade of professional experience covering political parties, elections, religion, civil society organizations, and the Nigeria Governors Forum. He is also a development and strategic communication expert, skilled at analyzing complex issues and delivering impactful narratives. Abdulrahman’s reporting reflects extensive newsroom experience, editorial judgment, and a strong commitment to informative and insightful journalism.
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.
Stay informed and ahead of the curve! Follow The Punch Newspaper on WhatsApp for real-time updates, breaking news, and exclusive content. Don't miss a headline – join now!
Stay in the know—fast. Get instant alerts, breaking headlines, and exclusive stories with the Punch News App. Download now and never miss a beat.
