Wike’s N50bn Claim: We Received No Kobo From FG For Ibadan Airport — Makinde

The Oyo State Government has denied claims by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, that the Federal Government gave the state N50 billion for the reconstruction of the Ibadan Airport.

The state government said it did not receive any money from the Federal Government for the project, describing Wike’s claim as false, reckless and misleading.

This was contained in a statement on Tuesday in reaction to Wike’s comments on a television programme on Monday where he alleged that President Bola Tinubu had “settled” Oyo State with N50 billion for the airport upgrade.

According to the Oyo State Government, President Tinubu’s approval on the proposal submitted by Governor Seyi Makinde for the reconstruction and upgrade of the airport was “Approved at no cost to the Federal Government.”

The government noted that the records are with both the Presidency and the Oyo State Government.

“In line with the approval granted by the Federal Government, which clearly stated that the airport upgrade would be undertaken at no cost to the Federal Government, the Oyo State Government has fully financed a comprehensive transformation of the facility,” the statement said.

It listed the works done to include expansion and strengthening of the runway, upgrade of airfield lighting and navigational systems, apron improvements, dualisation of Airport Road, enhanced aviation safety installations, and ongoing construction of a modern international terminal to boost passenger and cargo capacity.

“Every component of the upgrade has been executed and funded solely by Oyo State,” it added.

The government said Wike’s statement did not originate from any Federal Executive Council decision, presidential approval or statutory aviation infrastructure process, stressing that aviation funding follows due process through the Federal Ministry of Aviation and other regulatory bodies, with transparent and verifiable channels.

“Mr. Wike’s assertion is not an official communication of the Federal Government. It is not backed by documentation. It is not grounded in fact. It is a claim made without responsibility and without regard for the truth, and should therefore be disregarded,” the statement said.

It warned that it would not allow misinformation to be weaponised for political point-scoring.

“Let it be stated unambiguously: The Federal Government did not give Oyo State N50 billion for the Ibadan Airport upgrade. Any suggestion to the contrary is a fabrication and a lie from the pit of hell,” the government stated.

It reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and accountability, and urged public officials to exercise restraint and refrain from unfounded statements capable of eroding public trust.