The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Joint Campus Council (JCC), Oyo State Axis have condemned the reported withholding of Nigeria LNG (NLNG) dividend funds by state governments until after the 2027 general elections, demanding their immediate disbursement.

The student body said the reported delay raised concerns about constitutional accountability, equitable revenue distribution and the alleged prioritisation of political considerations over public welfare.

In a statement signed by its chairman, Comrade Uthman O. Abdulazeez, and Assistant Secretary-General, Comrade Damilare A. Layemi, NANS JCC urged the Federal Government to explain the reasons for withholding the funds and release all amounts lawfully due to eligible states.

It argued that state governments needed the funds to meet rising development costs and provide essential services, including education, healthcare and infrastructure.

“Governance is a continuous responsibility that cannot be subordinated to electoral timetables,” the statement said, adding that communities requiring roads, improved schools, better-equipped hospitals and essential infrastructure should not be made to wait until after an election.

The council said any decision to delay funds reportedly linked to electoral considerations required a clear and transparent explanation.

It cited Section 162 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, as the framework for revenue distribution among the different tiers of government, arguing that funds lawfully due to states should be disbursed in accordance with the Constitution and applicable laws.

NANS JCC also cautioned against diverting the debate into political disagreements over Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde’s position on local government autonomy.

It said the governor’s stance on local government administration did not resolve the separate question of whether funds legally due to state governments should be withheld.

“While disagreements over local government administration remain legitimate matters for public debate, they do not answer the substantive question of whether funds legally due to state governments should be withheld,” the statement said.

The student body called on stakeholders to separate partisan disagreements from the constitutional and economic issues surrounding the reported withholding of the funds.

It further urged that disputes over revenue entitlement, allocation or disbursement be addressed through appropriate constitutional and judicial processes.

However, NANS JCC said state governments must also be accountable for public resources received, insisting that the funds should translate into measurable improvements in education, healthcare, infrastructure and citizens’ welfare.

The council also acknowledged Makinde’s contributions to Oyo State’s development, particularly his investments in the education sector since he assumed office in 2019.

It urged the Federal Government and other stakeholders to place the welfare of Nigerians above electoral considerations, saying public resources should be administered transparently and in accordance with the law. (Saturday Tribune)