Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde has rejected claims that the Federal Government provided ₦50 billion for the upgrade of the Ladoke Akintola International Airport, Ibadan.
Makinde while outlining his plans for Nigeria’s economy, security, education and mining sector if elected president in 2027. at a Presidential Town Hall meeting in Katsina, reacted to claims by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, that the Bola Tinubu administration provided ₦50 billion to support the airport project.
Makinde said the claim was false, maintaining that the airport upgrade was being funded entirely by the Oyo State Government.
“My attention was drawn to an interview granted yesterday by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, where he said that the President gave ₦50 billion to Oyo State to upgrade the Ibadan Airport to international standards.
“I want to say that claim is false. The President did not give me or Oyo State ₦50 billion to upgrade the Ibadan Airport. The Ibadan Airport upgrade project is being undertaken 100 percent with the funds of Oyo State,” he said.
On presidential absence from the country, Makinde said he would comply with Section 145 of the Constitution if elected.
He said the provision requires the President to transmit a written declaration to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives when proceeding on vacation or otherwise unable to discharge the functions of office.
Makinde questioned why the procedure should not apply at the federal level when state governors observe similar arrangements during extended absences.
“I promise you that, as your President, I will follow the Constitution to the letter. If I am not going to be available, if I am on vacation, I will transmit power to the Vice President. Record this and hold me accountable,” he said.
The governor also outlined his proposed “Reset Agenda”, which focuses on the economy, education, security and the distribution of responsibilities among the different levels of government.
He said his administration would seek to build an economy capable of operating round the clock, arguing that natural resources alone could not drive development without skills, knowledge and intensive production.
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“We are determined to reset our economy. Our economy must work 24/7. Otherwise, if our economy shuts down at 7 or 8 o’clock in the evening, we cannot compete with economies that are running 24/7,” he said.
Makinde proposed devolving mining responsibilities to state governments while retaining federal oversight.
“Devolve that responsibility to the states and let there be oversight only at the federal level. They will do better,” he said.
He also raised concerns over insecurity and the deaths of suspected illegal miners in Niger State, questioning whether poverty and limited economic opportunities were contributing to illegal mining.
Makinde said efforts to curb illegal mining should address both the supply and demand sides of the activity.
On education, he said his administration would focus on obtaining reliable data on out-of-school children and developing measures to return them to classrooms.
He also said the APM campaign would be issue-based and urged Nigerians to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards and participate in the 2027 election.
Earlier, APM vice-presidential candidate, Lawal Daura, identified insecurity and poverty as major challenges facing the North-West and Nigeria.
Daura said the party would provide details of its proposed policies as the campaign progressed, but identified restoring security and normalcy as priorities.
APM National Chairman, Yusuf Mamman Dantalle, also called for collective action to address insecurity, hunger, poverty and limited access to education.
He said worsening insecurity had made it increasingly difficult for Nigerians to travel freely and for farmers to access their farms, urging citizens to support efforts to restore normal economic and social activities.
Nation Newspaper
