FG Spends N9.39tn on Workers’ Pay as Fayose, Obi Dominate Political Headlines

The Federal Government spent N9.39tn on wage adjustments, minimum wage increases and allowances for public workers between June 2023 and December 2025, according to the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele.

Oyedele disclosed the figure while presenting Nigeria’s reform scorecard, explaining that the amount represented the largest single component of the Federal Government’s incremental expenditure during the period.

He said the government generated about N20.4tn in additional resources through subsidy-related savings, increased independent revenue and additional borrowing during the period. However, the funds were largely absorbed by rising government obligations.

According to the minister, the N9.39tn spent on workers was higher than the Federal Government’s N5.4tn share of the N15.8tn resources mobilised through petrol subsidy removal and foreign exchange reforms.

Fayose Speaks on Osun Election

Meanwhile, former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose has continued to make comments about the recently concluded Osun State governorship election.

Fayose described President Bola Tinubu as “magnanimous” during the election, arguing that the Federal Government could have influenced the outcome if it had chosen to do so.

He also compared the situation with the 2018 Ekiti governorship election, alleging that the Federal Government at the time used its influence against him.

Fayose further claimed that the Accord Party spent at least N40bn during the Osun election, disputing claims surrounding campaign spending and vote-buying.

Fayose Questions Obi’s 2027 Chances

Fayose also weighed in on Peter Obi’s political prospects ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

He argued that Obi weakened his chances when he left the African Democratic Congress (ADC), saying the opposition would have been stronger if its major political figures had remained united on one platform.

According to Fayose, the opposition’s inability to maintain a united political structure could make it more difficult to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.

APC Sets Legislative Primaries

The All Progressives Congress has also fixed August 22 for its legislative primaries as the party prepares to select candidates for affected State House of Assembly and federal legislative contests.

The development forms part of the growing political activity ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.

With political parties beginning to intensify their preparations, issues surrounding opposition unity, campaign spending and the performance of the current administration are expected to remain major topics in the months ahead.