"Nigeria's Governors are Experiencing Unmatched Opulence - According to Tinubu's Advisor"
Nigerian governors are experiencing an "oil boom era" in fiscal terms, thanks to a significant increase in revenue under President Bola Tinubu's administration. This financial boost has led to no complaints about salary payments, with many states now enjoying a more stable financial position [1].
This improvement is linked to Nigeria’s overall revenue growth, which saw a 43% increase in tax revenue to N14.27 trillion in the first half of 2025 compared to the previous year. This growth is due to enhanced tax compliance, diversification away from oil reliance, and strengthened enforcement by the Federal Inland Revenue Service [2].
As a result, governors now have sufficient funds not only to pay salaries and meet minimum wage obligations but also to embark on projects and manage debts effectively. This financial uplift occurs amid a moderate economic growth environment, with Nigeria's GDP projected to expand by 3.4% in 2025, supported by increased oil production, a new refinery, and services sector growth [3].
Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser on Policy Communications to President Tinubu, has confirmed these developments. He stated that all Nigerian governors are in their oil boom era following the increase in revenue [1].
However, despite these positive developments, a coalition opposing President Tinubu has emerged. According to Bwala, this coalition is being driven by a few northern politicians who are upset about losing prominence in the current administration. He described the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the group leading the opposition, as a small group of disgruntled politicians with no real political weight [4].
Bwala also claimed that the so-called coalition has no structure or institutional backing and has not been endorsed by key political players. He downplayed the significance of the opposition coalition rallying under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and stated that no governor has complained about not being able to pay salaries since Tinubu's government came on board [4].
This scenario marks a departure from previous years when about 27 states faced bankruptcy risks and salary arrears were common. Now, government officials describe the current fiscal situation as unprecedented fiscal buoyancy for state administrations [1][4].
Sources: 1. Nigerian Governors Enjoying Oil Boom Era Under Tinubu 2. Nigeria's Revenue Growth Drives Improved Fiscal Positions for State Governments 3. Nigeria's GDP Projected to Expand by 3.4% in 2025 4. Opposition Coalition Challenges Tinubu Administration
- The Nigerian governors are currently experiencing an "oil boom era" under President Bola Tinubu's administration, according to Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser on Policy Communications to President Tinubu.
- This financial boost, leading to improved fiscal positions for state governments, is a result of enhanced tax compliance, diversification away from oil reliance, and strengthened enforcement by the Federal Inland Revenue Service.
- Despite the emergence of an opposition coalition led by the African Democratic Congress, no governor has complained about not being able to pay salaries since Tinubu's government came on board.
- The current fiscal situation is described as unprecedented fiscal buoyancy for state administrations, marking a departure from previous years when many states faced bankruptcy risks and salary arrears were common.
