Demand accountability as govt revenue rises, Falana tells Nigerians

Nigerian human rights lawyer Femi Falana has called on Nigerians to demand accountability from all levels of government in relation to the increase in revenue received by the federal, state, and local governments. Falana argues that the rise in government revenue has not led to improvements in the lives of ordinary Nigerians, and citizens should question how the additional funds are being spent.

Filming on Channels Television's Sunday Politics, Falana pointed to poor road conditions in Ekiti State as an example of funds earmarked for local projects not being used effectively. He questioned why residents were blaming the federal government for fixing a road when the local government had received substantial funds. Falana noted that the local government had allocated about N5.4 billion to a road leading to Afe Babalola University between January and May 2026, yet residents were still asking the federal government to intervene.

He argued that fixing the road should not cost more than N500 million, and that state governments were also involved in road repairs and then seeking refunds from the federal government. Falana urged Nigerians to hold each tier of government accountable for its responsibilities instead of solely expecting the federal government to address problems within the jurisdiction of state and local governments.

He also questioned the benefits of the removal of fuel subsidies, arguing that citizens are being told to wait for economic gains while living conditions continue to worsen.