The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly criticised the Governor Monday Okpebholo-led administration for spending N3.51 billion on international trips and training within three months without attracting any foreign investments.
The condemnation was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by Chris Osa Nehikhare, the Publicity Secretary of the PDP Caretaker Committee in the state.
The party referenced the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) Capital Importation Report, which revealed that Edo was among 30 states that collectively spent N11.75 billion on overseas trips in the first quarter of 2025 without securing any foreign direct investment.
The report indicated that only Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Kaduna, Kano, Ekiti, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) attracted investments during the period.
Edo State’s expenditure was detailed as N349,323,686.03 and $227,918.57. The PDP described the spending as reckless, especially at a time when the state grapples with poor infrastructure, delayed salary payments, and inadequate public services.
The party accused the government of prioritising unnecessary travel over pressing developmental needs.
In its statement titled “Stop the Jamboree: Edo Government’s Reckless N3.51 Billion Travel Spree Amidst Crumbling Infrastructure is Shameful,” the PDP demanded transparency, urging the government to disclose the details of the trips and redirect such funds toward infrastructure and public welfare.
The party emphasised that governance should focus on improving citizens’ lives rather than frivolous expenditures.
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