Presidency and Makinde clash over N250bn NLNG dividend

The Presidency called Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde’s claim false, saying the federal government was withholding N250 billion in NLNG dividends for each state. It argued that such a one-off payment would total N9 trillion for the 36 states alone, excluding the federal government, the Federal Capital Territory and local councils, and said NLNG had never paid $25 billion in dividends to the Federation Account in a single payout. Makinde had alleged the funds would be withheld until after the 2027 elections; his campaign organisation rejected the Presidency’s denial and accused President Tinubu of running a “voodoo economy.”