As Oyo State unveils plans for a new Government House reportedly costing a staggering ₦63 billion, critical voices across the state are calling for a re-evaluation of development priorities, especially considering the acute deficits in housing and education that affect millions of residents.
A Bogus Project for the Few in a Time of Socioeconomic Need
While architectural modernization and institutional prestige are important, the planned cost for a new government residence—especially when no sitting governor has resided in the Agodi Government House for decades—raises valid concerns. Even Governor Seyi Makinde, who initiated the project, is unlikely to reside there or directly benefit from it before his tenure ends. This leaves a key question: What is the guarantee that subsequent administrations will utilize the facility or not abandon it altogether?
In a state grappling with widespread poverty, rising urban migration, dilapidated public schools, and healthcare challenges, spending ₦63 billion on a structure intended primarily for ceremonial use appears tone-deaf and inconsiderate of the realities facing ordinary citizens.
What ₦63 Billion Can Do: A Comparative Lens on Housing Solutions
In contrast to Oyo’s proposed Government House budget, states across Nigeria have delivered tangible mass housing projects at far lower costs, demonstrating just how far public funds can go when prudently allocated:
Lagos State delivered 9,970 housing units across its five divisions within six years, focusing on affordability and access for the working class.
Ekiti State launched a 1,000-unit housing project aimed at civil servants and low-income families.
Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri committed to building 1,000 housing units to reduce its housing backlog.
Jigawa State earmarked ₦19.6 billion for housing projects across nine local government areas.
Sokoto State commenced construction of a 500-unit housing estate, targeted at low and middle-income earners.
If Oyo State were to follow suit, even a third of the ₦63 billion allocated to the Government House could potentially fund over 2,000 housing units across the state’s geopolitical zones. This would provide shelter for thousands of families, create employment, stimulate local economies, and uplift lives.
Understanding Oyo’s Housing Deficit
Although exact statistics fluctuate, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and housing development agencies estimate that Nigeria faces a housing deficit of over 17 million units, with states like Oyo contributing significantly due to urban migration into Ibadan and other growing cities. In 2023, a housing expert told The Guardian Nigeria that Oyo’s housing deficit was nearing 1.3 million units, particularly in areas like Ibadan, Ogbomosho, and Iseyin.
Bridging even 5% of this gap—around 65,000 units—would require significant investment. But with ₦63 billion, the state could easily lay the foundation for over 3,000 low-cost housing units with modern infrastructure if executed in phases over four years.
Education, Another Critical Sector Neglected
In addition to housing, the education sector in Oyo State is crying for urgent investment. Many public primary and secondary schools in rural and peri-urban areas lack:
Basic furniture and instructional materials
Safe classroom structures
Sanitation facilities
Digital learning tools
An investment of ₦20 billion from the ₦63 billion pool could renovate and equip at least 500 schools statewide, improve learning outcomes, and reduce the number of out-of-school children, which UNICEF recently estimated at over 10 million nationwide, with Oyo State contributing tens of thousands.
Acknowledging the Government’s Efforts—But More Must Be Done
It’s important to note that Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration has made commendable efforts in infrastructure, road projects, healthcare delivery, and free basic education initiatives. Projects like Light-Up Oyo, the Moniya-Iseyin Road, and recent investments in the health sector are noteworthy.
However, a government must constantly assess whether its expenditures align with citizens' most pressing needs. In a democracy, governance must be people-centered, not elite-focused.
Missed Opportunities and Elite-Centric Urban Planning
Projects like the Agbowo Shopping Complex, left in neglect for years despite its prime location near the University of Ibadan, represent a missed opportunity to empower thousands through job creation, retail incubation, and tourism. The government’s tendency to convert public land into high-cost luxury estates also fuels urban inequality, restricting access to shelter and services for the poor and middle class.
By prioritizing mega projects that benefit a select few over mass-scale social programs, the state risks alienating the very people whose taxes and loyalty sustain governance.
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Setting Priorities Right: A Call for Policy Rethink
Oyo State must urgently redefine what “legacy” means in leadership. Rather than a new Government House, a “Housing for All” master plan, rural school revival scheme, or state-wide digital education program would leave a more enduring impact on the lives of ordinary citizens.
Let the people—not palaces—be the legacy.
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