The Oyo State Government has disclosed that the ₦30 billion released by the Federal Government as part of the intervention fund for the January 16, 2024 Bodija explosion in Ibadan remains untouched, while the outstanding ₦20 billion balance from the ₦50 billion approved has yet to be released.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Commissioner for Information Dotun Oyelade confirmed that the ₦30 billion is still lodged in the state’s infrastructure support account with FirstBank.
He explained that the government deliberately refrained from accessing the funds because the remaining ₦20 billion has been withheld by federal agencies without explanation.
“As of December 31, 2025, the ₦30 billion remained untouched in the Oyo State infrastructure account with FirstBank. Interested members of the public may verify this information with the bank,” the statement read.
Governor Seyi Makinde had initially requested ₦100 billion in federal support to address the aftermath of the explosion, outlining emergency measures already taken by the state, including medical care for victims, provision of accommodation for the displaced, and deployment of rescue equipment. President Bola Tinubu later approved ₦50 billion, half of the requested sum, with ₦30 billion released in November 2024.
The government stressed that despite federal delays, Oyo State has spent ₦24.6 billion of its own resources on reconstruction and victim support. This includes ₦20.141 billion on infrastructure rebuilding in Bodija and surrounding areas, and ₦4.085 billion in compensation and assistance to victims.
“Almost two years after the disaster, the Federal Government has yet to release the outstanding balance of ₦20 billion from the approved sum of ₦50 billion,” the statement added.
The government also noted that Oyo received one of the lowest allocations among states benefiting from federal intervention funds, despite suffering one of the most devastating incidents. Documents released by federal agents indicated that other states in the South-West received significantly larger sums, including ₦150 billion.
Concluding, the statement reaffirmed Governor Makinde’s commitment to transparency and accountability:
“The Oyo State Government has nothing to hide and will continue to engage the public transparently on all issues. Governor Makinde remains committed to serving the people of Oyo State faithfully, truthfully, and with utmost respect for the social contract that binds government to the governed.”