Bodija Explosion: How Oyo Govt Shouldered the Pain, Spent N24.6bn, Awaits N20bn Federal Support

PRESS STATEMENT ON FEDERAL GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION FUND FOLLOWING THE BODIJA, IBADAN EXPLOSION OF JANUARY 16, 2024

Introduction

Nearly two years after the tragic explosion that rocked the Bodija area of Ibadan on January 16, 2024, the Oyo State Government deems it necessary to clarify facts surrounding the Federal Government’s approved intervention fund, the extent of state expenditure, and the reasons certain funds remain unused.

This statement is issued in the interest of transparency, accountability, and respect for the victims whose lives and livelihoods were affected.

Immediate Response: Oyo Acted First

In the immediate aftermath of the explosion, the Oyo State Government acted decisively—without waiting for federal intervention.

Emergency measures taken included:

Deployment of earth-moving equipment for search and rescue

Immediate hospitalisation of injured victims with all medical bills fully covered

Deployment of ambulances and medical personnel

Provision of hotel accommodation for displaced residents at the state’s expense

These actions significantly mitigated the human and material impact of the disaster.

Request for Federal Support

Recognising the scale of destruction and the existence of federal emergency intervention funds, His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, formally wrote to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on January 19, 2024, seeking financial assistance.

The Governor detailed additional areas requiring federal support, including:

Clearing of rubble and debris

Structural integrity tests and demolition of unsafe buildings

Compensation for affected property owners

Reconstruction of Old Bodija and surrounding communities

Expansion of emergency response infrastructure

Environmental impact assessment

Logistics support and infrastructural restoration

The total estimated cost of intervention was N100 billion.

Federal Approval: N50 Billion Granted

The Federal Government approved N50 billion, representing half of the requested amount.

According to an official memo dated August 29, 2024, the purpose of the fund was explicitly stated as:

“Support for the reconstruction of Old Bodija and environs after the Bodija explosion.”

Release and Status of the Funds

A dedicated Oyo State Government Infrastructure Support Account was opened with First Bank of Nigeria.

On November 4, 2024, the Federal Government, through the CBN, released N30 billion into the account.

As of December 31, 2025, the N30 billion remains untouched and verifiable with the bank.

The Oyo State Government deliberately refrained from utilising the funds because the remaining N20 billion balance has not been released by relevant federal agencies, with no official explanation provided.

Recent developments surrounding the approval further justified the state’s cautious “wait-and-see” approach.

Outstanding N20 Billion

Almost two years after the disaster, the Federal Government is yet to release the outstanding N20 billion from the approved sum.

The Oyo State Government remains committed to securing this balance to comprehensively address the extensive damage to public and private properties and to ensure full justice for affected residents.

What Oyo State Has Spent So Far

Despite the delay in federal intervention, the Oyo State Government has borne the burden alone.

As of January 1, 2026, the state has spent N24.6 billion from its own resources:

N20.141 billion on reconstruction of infrastructure in Bodija and environs

N4.085 billion paid as support and compensation to victims

These expenditures were fully funded by the state.

Intervention Funds Across Nigeria

Documents released by the Federal Government show that N915.5 billion was approved nationwide as intervention funds.

The records indicate:

One South-West state received N150 billion

Another received N50 billion

Oyo State, despite suffering one of the most devastating disasters, received one of the lowest allocations

Members of the public are encouraged to verify these figures from the released documents.

On Disclosure and Transparency

Intervention funds are classified as capital grants and, in line with financial regulations, 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.

This explains why states that received larger sums did not publicly advertise the funds.

Conclusion

The Oyo State Government appreciates the patience, understanding, and discernment of its people, particularly in resisting attempts by desperate political actors to exploit the Bodija tragedy for personal or political gain.

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

Governor Makinde has never denied anyone what is legally due and will not do so.

The Government of Oyo State wishes all residents a happy, peaceful, and prosperous 2026.

Signed:

Prof. Musibau Babatunde

Hon. Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning

Prince Dotun Oyelade

Hon. Commissioner for Information

For: Oyo State Government