The Presidency has dismissed Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde’s claim that the Federal Government is withholding ₦250 billion in Nigeria LNG (NLNG) dividends for each state until after the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued on Sunday, October 18, 2026, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described the allegation as false, arguing that the figures did not align with the historical dividends paid by NLNG to the Federation Account.
Makinde had, at the 2027 Budget Stakeholders’ Consultative Engagement held at the Olola Ogunlana Hall, International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, alleged that each state was expected to receive more than ₦250 billion from the NLNG dividends.
“Each state was supposed to get ₦250 billion. We had already identified projects that would expand Oyo State’s economy. But they have now said the money will not be paid until after the election. Is the election more important than the people of Nigeria?” the governor said.
He questioned why the payment would reportedly be delayed until after the election, arguing that development needs should take priority over political considerations.
In its response, the Presidency said distributing ₦250 billion to each of Nigeria’s 36 states would amount to ₦9 trillion, excluding the Federal Government, the Federal Capital Territory and the 774 local councils.
It argued that for the states’ share alone to reach ₦9 trillion, total NLNG dividends paid into the account would have to exceed ₦33.68 trillion, or about $25 billion, in a single payout.
The Presidency also stated that NLNG had paid approximately $21.5 billion in dividends to the Federation over 25 years, with less than $3 billion realised since Tinubu assumed office.
Taking a political swipe at the governor, Onanuga accused him of making misleading statements since embarking on his presidential ambition, rather than presenting what he described as verifiable facts.
“We expect Governor Makinde to be more measured in his public conduct and utterances. Since he embarked on his presidential bid, he has chosen to play politics by making misleading claims rather than presenting verifiable facts. Indeed, he has turned false, unguarded statements and claims into an art form.
“He once described the huge financial flow from the federation account to states, including Oyo, as ‘voodoo’,” Onanuga said.
While acknowledging that the governor was free under Nigerian law to pursue his presidential ambition, the presidential spokesman urged him to desist from what he described as falsehood and disinformation.
“Under Nigerian law, Governor Makinde is free to pursue his presidential ambition. He should desist from making falsehoods and disinformation the hallmarks of his campaign,” Onanuga said.
The Presidency urged Nigerians to disregard Makinde’s allegation, while the dispute raises questions about the amount of NLNG dividends available for distribution and whether any funds are being delayed.