Fresh controversy has trailed the Lagos State House of Assembly following revelations that the legislative body spent another ₦4 billion on lawmakers’ back-up vehicles and generators, according to the state’s latest budget performance report.
Documents show that ₦3.5 billion was allocated for the purchase of “back-up vehicles” for the 40 members of the Assembly, which include 40 utility buses and 40 additional vehicles. Another ₦500 million was spent on purchasing and installing 50 KVA generators for the lawmakers.
The report also indicates that the Assembly has budgeted ₦20.6 billion for vehicles in the 2025 fiscal year—continuing a trend of high spending. Between 2023 and 2024 alone, the Assembly reportedly spent ₦45 billion on official and utility vehicles for its members, bringing the total allocation for lawmakers’ vehicles between 2023 and 2025 to a staggering ₦65 billion.
Further scrutiny of the budget reveals additional expenditures, including ₦30.3 billion earmarked for new fences, access roads, landscaping, and beautification projects, as well as ₦11.04 billion for rehabilitation works at the Assembly complex—covering the gatehouse, car parks, prayer areas, and leisure facilities.
The Assembly also set aside ₦500 million for guest houses and residential quarters for legislators.
These expenditures come amid allegations of financial mismanagement. Civil society groups have petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate claims that Assembly officials diverted public funds.
In one instance, the Progressive Youth Movement alleged that ₦469 million was irregularly awarded for the construction of the Ikeja Local Government Secretariat, while another ₦200 million was reportedly approved for a thanksgiving event that critics say should not have cost more than ₦2 million.
As calls for transparency and accountability grow louder, stakeholders are urging the Lagos State government and anti-graft agencies to ensure that public resources are managed in line with the principles of prudence and public trust.
