The National Association of Nigerian Students, Joint Campus Council, Oyo State Axis, has called on the Federal Government to release Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas dividend funds reportedly being withheld from state governments until after the 2027 general elections.
The student body expressed concern over the reported decision, warning that delaying the funds could affect the ability of state governments to provide essential services and execute developmental projects.
This was contained in a statement jointly signed by the council’s chairman, Uthman Abdulazeez, and Assistant Secretary-General, Damilare Layemi, and made available to Sunday PUNCH.
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde had on Friday accused the administration of President Bola Tinubu of spending NLNG dividends meant for states, adding that each state was supposed to get over N250 billion from the NLNG payments.
Reacting, the NANS JCC Oyo State Axis maintained that withholding funds meant for state governments raised questions about constitutional accountability, fairness, and the prioritisation of public welfare over political interests.
“At a time when states are struggling with rising development costs and increasing demands for public services, delaying funds intended for development could further undermine their capacity to meet the needs of their citizens.
“Where funds are lawfully due to state governments, the Federal Government must ensure that their disbursement complies with the Constitution and applicable laws.
“Any decision to withhold such funds, particularly where the delay is reportedly linked to electoral considerations, demands a clear and transparent explanation,” the statement read.
The council further argued that governance should not be influenced by electoral considerations, stressing that Nigerians should not be denied essential infrastructure because of political interests.
“Roads requiring urgent repairs, schools needing improved facilities, hospitals demanding better equipment, and communities lacking essential infrastructure cannot be expected to wait until after an election.
“Public revenue exists to serve the people, and decisions concerning its distribution must be guided by established laws, financial procedures, and public interest,” it added.
The student body also maintained that disagreements over local government administration should not overshadow the question of whether funds legally due to state governments should be withheld.
“A governor’s position on one constitutional issue cannot, in itself, determine the legitimacy of a separate claim to public revenue,” the council stated. “We therefore urge Nigerians to separate partisan disagreements from the broader constitutional and economic questions surrounding these funds.”
The association urged the Federal Government to provide a transparent explanation for the reported withholding of the funds and ensure that all amounts lawfully due to eligible states were promptly released.