Bodija Explosion: N26.4bn Spent From State Coffers, N30bn From FG Still Untouched — Oyo Govt

The Oyo State Government has revealed that it has spent N24.6 billion from its own coffers on emergency response, compensation and reconstruction efforts following the deadly Bodija explosion of January 16, 2024, while it continues to await the release of an outstanding N20 billion from the Federal Government’s approved intervention fund.

This disclosure was contained in a statement jointly signed by the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Prof. Musibau Babatunde, and the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, on Thursday.

According to the statement, the Governor Seyi Makinde-led administration acted immediately after the explosion without waiting for federal assistance.

It noted that earth-moving equipment was deployed for search and rescue, injured victims were hospitalised with medical bills fully covered, ambulances and medical personnel were mobilised, and displaced residents were accommodated in hotels at the state’s expense.

The government explained that Makinde formally wrote to President Bola Tinubu on January 19, 2024, seeking federal support in view of the scale of destruction.

“The letter outlined areas requiring assistance, including debris clearance, structural integrity tests, demolition of unsafe buildings, compensation for property owners, reconstruction of Old Bodija and adjoining communities, environmental impact assessments and expansion of emergency response infrastructure, with an estimated cost of N100 billion.

“Following the request, the Federal Government approved N50 billion, representing half of the requested sum. An official memo dated August 29, 2024, stated that the approval was for support for the reconstruction of Old Bodija and environs after the Bodija explosion,” the commissioners said.

The statement further disclosed that a dedicated Infrastructure Support Account was opened with First Bank of Nigeria and that N30 billion was released into the account by the Federal Government through the Central Bank of Nigeria on November 4, 2024. However, it stressed that the funds have remained untouched.

“As of December 31, 2025, the N30 billion remains untouched and verifiable with the bank,” the statement said, adding that the state deliberately refrained from utilising the money because the balance of N20 billion from the approved sum has not been released, with no official explanation from relevant federal agencies.

Despite the delay, the government said Oyo State has continued to bear the burden of recovery efforts.

“As of January 1, 2026, the state has spent N24.6 billion from its own resources. This includes N20.141 billion spent on reconstruction of infrastructure in Bodija and surrounding areas, and N4.085 billion paid as support and compensation to victims,”it said.

The statement also referenced documents released by the Federal Government showing that N915.5 billion was approved nationwide as intervention funds, noting that while one South West state received N150 billion and another received N50 billion, Oyo State received one of the lowest allocations despite experiencing one of the most devastating disasters.

On transparency, the government clarified that intervention funds are capital grants that must pass through the budgeting process before utilisation.

“They are properly reflected in the state’s financial statements and do not require special public announcements upon receipt,” it said.

The commissioners reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability, while urging residents to resist attempts to politicise the tragedy.

“Under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde, the government has nothing to hide and remains committed to transparency, accountability, and faithful service,” the statement added.