PDP slams Okpebholo for spending N3.5bn on trips, training in 3 months without attracting FDI

The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has berated the Governor Monday Okpebholo-led government in the state for spending N3.51 billion taxpayers’ funds on international trips and training in three months.

DAILY POST reports that the party condemned the expenditures in a statement made available to newsmen on Sunday by Chris Osa Nehikhare, the Publicity Secretary, PDP Caretaker Committee in the State.

DAILY POST recalls that the Capital Importation Report published by the National Bureau of Statistics on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, listed Edo State as among the 30 states that spent N11.75 billion on international trips in the first quarter of 2025 without attracting any foreign direct investments.

In the report, the National Bureau of Statistics said only six states, including the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja, attracted foreign direct investment in the period under review.

It listed the states as Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Kaduna, Kano, Ekiti and FCT, Abuja.

According to the report, 30 Nigerian states spent a combined N11.75 billion on international trips and training in the first quarter of 2025 with no foreign direct investment to show for it.

“The FDI that came into the country between January and March went to only seven locations (the Federal Capital Territory, Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Kaduna, Kano and Ekiti)”, it added.

The report put the Edo’s expenditures as N349,323,686.03 and $227,918.57.

PDP condemned the expenditure in a statement titled ‘Stop the Jamboree: Edo Government’s Reckless N3.51 Billion Travel Spree Amidst Crumbling Infrastructure is Shameful’, dated August 10, 2025.

The party lamented that while other states are working to attract investment, Edo’s leadership is squandering scarce resources on trips that yield no tangible benefits.

It posited that the reckless expenditure is an insult to the good people of Edo State who continue to endure poor roads, inadequate healthcare facilities, decaying schools, delays in salary payments and epileptic power supply.

Parts of the statement read: “The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Edo State Chapter, is outraged by the disgraceful revelation that the Senator Monday Okpebholo-led administration squandered an alarming N3.51 billion on travel in just the first half of 2025.

“This waste comes at a time when the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) Capital Importation Report confirms that Edo State failed to attract a single kobo in foreign investment while states like Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Kaduna, Kano, and even Ekiti made the list.

“The contrast is both embarrassing and telling. Other states are opening their doors to the capital, Edo’s leaders are opening their wallets for endless trips.

“This reckless expenditure is an insult to the good people of Edo State who continue to endure poor roads, inadequate healthcare facilities, decaying schools, delays in salary payments and epileptic power supply.

“It is unacceptable that while other states are working to attract investment, Edo’s leadership is squandering scarce resources on trips that yield no tangible benefits.

“Governance is not a jamboree. Leadership demands prudence, vision, and a commitment to prioritising the needs of the people over frivolous indulgences.

“Edo State deserves a government focused on creating jobs, improving infrastructure, and enhancing the quality of life of its citizens — not one obsessed with globetrotting at public expense.

While calling on the state government to immediately halt the wasteful spending, PDP asked the government to publish details of the trips.

It also urged the state government to redirect such funds in the future to address the massive infrastructure deficit across the state.

Reacting to the PDP statement, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Fred Itua said the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo is a government of action, purpose, and vision.

Itua added that since the assumption of office, Okpebholo has not embarked on any frivolous voyage.

He noted that every kobo spent on official engagements, local or international, is strategically aimed at forging partnerships, attracting investments, and securing opportunities that will yield long-term benefits for Edo people.

“Unlike the PDP era, where foreign trips were little more than shopping expeditions and family vacations for political office holders, officials of this Government travel with clear objectives, measurable results, and an unwavering commitment to the people’s progress.

“It is ironic, if not downright insulting, that the PDP, a party whose years of misrule, monumental corruption, and gross incompetence left Edo State in ruins, now attempts to lecture the people on governance, accountability, and prudent spending.

“The same PDP that had every opportunity to transform Edo but instead chose to plunder its resources, destroy public trust, and mortgage the future of our people now pretends to be the conscience of the state. Edo people are neither fooled nor interested,” he stated.