The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has launched an investigation into the Ondo State Ministry of Finance over an N11.5 billion security vote allocation in the state’s 2025 budget. The probe also extends to the Ondo State Speaker and House of Assembly members, following revelations of N200 million allocated for phone calls and other expenses.
Reports indicate that EFCC operatives have arrived in the state to scrutinize the budget details. The State Assembly leadership is expected to be summoned soon to explain the N11.5 billion security vote, which has raised serious concerns over transparency and accountability.
Additionally, the Ministry of Finance’s budget includes N250 million for honorarium and sitting allowances and N1.5 billion for contingencies. This has drawn public outcry, with the Nigerian Anti-Corruption Network (NACN) condemning the allocations.
In a statement, NACN President Comrade Mike Aderosoye criticized the security vote allocation, calling it an “affront to Ondo State citizens.” He questioned why a commissioner, who reports to the governor, would receive a security vote when the governor already gets one.
The group also blasted Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, accusing him of failing to prioritize governance. “It is shameful that a governor who has not commissioned a single kilometre of road in the past year would allow such an outrageous sum in the budget,” the statement read.
Meanwhile, the public has reacted angrily to the N200 million allocated to lawmakers for phone calls, with an additional N280 million budgeted for the Speaker’s communication expenses. Civil servants described it as a misplacement of priorities, especially given the poor infrastructure and education sector in the state.
A top EFCC source confirmed that the anti-graft agency is investigating whether such an amount has ever been allocated to the ministry in previous budgets. “We are also interested in understanding how this money will be spent, considering that the governor already receives a security vote,” the source said.
While Finance Commissioner R.S. Omowunmi Isaac has yet to comment, an official in the ministry defended the allocations, saying they were thoroughly reviewed by the Assembly.
Meanwhile, a lawmaker who spoke anonymously insisted they have nothing to hide. “The EFCC is not a lion. We will open our books for scrutiny because the budget is now a public document,” he said.
The EFCC is expected to continue its probe in the coming days, as pressure mounts for accountability in the management of Ondo State’s public funds.
