The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) has called on governors in the South-West region to give a clear and detailed explanation of how over ₦429.85 billion in federal allocations received between January and March 2026 was spent.
In a statement titled “CDHR Demands Accountability and Transparency on Federal Allocations to South West States Between January and March 2026,” the group expressed concern over what it described as a widening gap between the huge inflow of public funds and the poor state of infrastructure across the region.
The statement was jointly signed by the National President, Comrade Yinka Folarin, and the National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Adewunmi Adesina.
According to the group, despite the substantial funds shared among the six South-West states, many communities are still faced with dilapidated roads, underfunded schools, and poorly equipped healthcare facilities.
CDHR noted that Lagos State received the highest allocation of about ₦200.21 billion within the period, while Ekiti State got the lowest share of approximately ₦30.49 billion.
A breakdown of the figures shows Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, Osun, and Ekiti States collectively received hundreds of billions in federal allocations over the three-month period.
However, the group questioned why such revenue inflows have not translated into visible improvements in public infrastructure and living conditions.
“While such an enormous inflow of public funds should ordinarily reflect in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and human capital development, the reality on ground does not match these figures,” the statement read.
It added that many roads across the region remain in poor condition, public schools are struggling with inadequate resources, and healthcare delivery remains weak, even as unemployment continues to rise.
The CDHR also raised concerns about rising state debts despite increased federal allocations and internally generated revenue, calling for transparency in borrowing and expenditure patterns.
The group specifically urged governors, particularly in Ogun State, to provide a breakdown of capital and recurrent spending, as well as details of ongoing and completed projects funded with public money.
“Citizens deserve to know what specific projects are being financed and why states are still accumulating debt despite these allocations,” it stated.
CDHR further called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to monitor the utilization of the funds to prevent possible mismanagement.
It also urged State Houses of Assembly in the region to strengthen their oversight roles and ensure proper accountability in governance.
Reaffirming its stance, the group said it may invoke the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act to demand full disclosure of how the funds were used, stressing that citizens have a right to know how public resources are managed.
“Governance is a trust, and accountability is not optional,” the statement added, warning that civil society groups will continue to push for transparency and responsible governance across the region.
