The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has begun investigating the allocation of N11.5 billion as a security vote for the Ondo State Ministry of Finance in this year’s budget. EFCC personnel have arrived in the state to verify the budget details, and the leadership of the State Assembly is expected to provide further insights into the budget's passage, particularly regarding the N11.5 billion allocation.
The allocation has raised concerns about transparency and accountability in the state's financial management. In addition, the 2025 budget for the Ministry of Finance includes a N250 million allocation for honorarium and sitting allowances and N1.5 billion for contingencies. Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa presented a N655 billion budget to the Ondo State House of Assembly in December 2024, which was later increased by N43.4 billion to N698 billion.
The Nigerian Anti-Corruption Network (NACN) has condemned the inclusion of the N11.5 billion security vote, calling it an "affront" to the people of Ondo State. NACN expressed outrage that a commissioner would appropriate a security vote budget when the governor already receives one, suggesting possible mismanagement or deliberate looting. The group criticized Governor Aiyedatiwa for neglecting development projects, such as road construction, and called on the EFCC to investigate the issue thoroughly.
A top civil servant described the allocation as "strange," and an EFCC source confirmed that the agency is investigating whether such an amount has been allocated to the ministry in previous budgets. The EFCC is seeking clarity on the purpose of the allocation and how the funds will be spent.
Additionally, concerns have arisen over the allocation of N200 million for phone calls for all Assembly members, with the Speaker’s allocation alone amounting to N280,000,000. Critics have labeled this a misplacement of priorities, given the lack of infrastructure and education development in the members' constituencies.
Efforts to contact the Finance Commissioner, R.S. Omowunmi Isaac, and the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji, for comments were unsuccessful. However, a lawmaker stated that the Assembly members have no fear of the EFCC, as they are confident there is nothing to hide. The budget is now a public document, and they are open to scrutiny.