By Newspot Nigeria News Desk
The Oyo State Government has clarified details surrounding the Federal Government’s intervention fund approved after the January 16, 2024 explosion in Bodija, Ibadan, stating that although ₦50 billion was approved, only ₦30 billion has so far been released.
In a statement issued by the state government, Governor Seyi Makinde was said to have formally written to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on January 19, 2024, requesting financial support to manage the humanitarian and infrastructural impact of the explosion.
According to the state, the request was based on the availability of federal emergency intervention funds meant to assist states during disasters. The letter outlined steps already taken by the Oyo State Government, including deployment of earth-moving equipment for search and rescue operations, provision of free medical care for injured victims, deployment of ambulances and medical personnel, and temporary accommodation for displaced residents at the state’s expense.
The government said it also sought federal assistance for additional needs such as debris clearance, structural integrity tests on affected buildings, demolition of unsafe structures, compensation for property owners, reconstruction of Old Bodija and adjoining areas, expansion of emergency response facilities, environmental impact assessments, logistics support, and broader infrastructure rehabilitation.
Based on these needs, Oyo State estimated the total cost of intervention at ₦100 billion and requested approval for that amount. However, the Federal Government approved ₦50 billion — half of the requested sum.
According to the state, the approval was specifically for “support for the reconstruction of Old Bodija and environs after the Bodija explosion,” as stated in a memo dated August 29, 2024, from the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation to the Minister of Finance.
Following the approval, an Oyo State Government Infrastructure Support Account (No. 2045199879) was opened with First Bank of Nigeria to receive the intervention funds.
The state disclosed that ₦30 billion of the approved ₦50 billion was released on November 4, 2024, while the remaining ₦20 billion is yet to be paid. It added that as of December 31, 2025, the released ₦30 billion remained in the designated account, pending completion of administrative and funding processes.
Despite the partial release, the government said it had continued to fund recovery efforts using its own resources. As of January 1, 2026, Oyo State said it had spent about ₦24.6 billion in response to the explosion, including approximately ₦20.141 billion on reconstruction and infrastructure works in Bodija and surrounding areas, and ₦4.085 billion paid as support and compensation to affected residents.
The issue has continued to generate public debate following the circulation of documents by a political actor, Mr. Ayo Fayose, suggesting that larger intervention sums had been approved for various states nationwide. The Oyo State Government acknowledged the circulation of such documents but maintained that approval figures should not be confused with actual cash releases.
In the interest of transparency and public accountability, Newspot Nigeria has submitted a Freedom of Information request to relevant federal institutions seeking official documentation on approvals, releases, and payment schedules related to the Bodija intervention fund. The platform says it will publish verified documents once received.
The Oyo State Government reiterated its commitment to accountability, due process, and the full restoration of Bodija and neighbouring communities affected by the January 2024 explosion.
