The Lagos State Government has refuted claims that ₦4.2 billion was allocated in the 2026 budget solely for the purchase of tables, chairs, and microphones for the Office of the Deputy Governor.

In an official statement, the government explained that the total capital allocation of ₦4,247,816,006 for the office primarily covers the reconstruction of the Round House complex, a six-storey facility housing over 50 offices. Only ₦170 million of the total allocation is designated for office equipment, furniture, fittings, and related capital items.

“The attention of the Lagos State Government has been drawn to reports alleging that ₦4.2 billion was proposed in the 2026 budget for the purchase of office furniture and microphones for the Office of the Deputy Governor. This claim is inaccurate and results from a clear misinterpretation of the approved capital provisions,” the statement read.

The reconstruction plans for the Round House complex include structural repairs, retrofitting works, and the provision of alternative energy infrastructure, reflecting the state’s commitment to modernising key government facilities.

The government also urged media organisations and the public to seek clarification through official channels to avoid misreporting, emphasising that budget planning follows due process, fiscal discipline, and proper accounting standards.

The clarification comes after earlier reports suggested that the budgeted amount would cover the purchase of 10 executive tables and chairs, 40 visitor chairs, 120 officers’ tables and chairs, and 30 conference microphones, with part of the expenditure allegedly already incurred in 2025.

Beyond the Deputy Governor’s office, the 2026 Lagos State budget also includes ₦35.4 billion for the construction of permanent legislative quarters, ₦20 billion for fencing, drainage, landscaping, and beautification works at the Lagos State House of Assembly, and ₦16 billion for community-based capital infrastructure projects.

Officials emphasised that the ₦4.2 billion figure was misunderstood and reiterated that the state’s capital allocations are designed to support infrastructure development, operational efficiency, and long-term public service improvements.

This clarification has sparked public debate on budget transparency, highlighting the importance of accurate reporting and fiscal understanding among citizens.

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According to a report by the Foundation for Investigative Journalism, the Assembly earmarked ₦35.47 billion for the project, while an additional ₦20 billion was approved for site development, bringing the total cost to ₦55.47 billion.

Budget documents published by the Lagos State Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget on February 3 indicate that the funds are allocated under the construction of residential buildings for members of the Assembly.

Housing Deficit Concerns

The investigation noted that, based on federal government benchmark prices for housing units, the ₦55.47 billion could deliver thousands of homes.

Using the approved prices—₦8.5 million for a one-bedroom unit, ₦11.5 million for a two-bedroom, and ₦12.5 million for a three-bedroom apartment—the amount could fund between about 4,400 and 6,500 housing units, depending on the design.

A 2025 housing market report by the Roland Igbinoba Real Foundation for Housing and Urban Development estimated Lagos’ housing deficit at roughly 3.4 million units, highlighting the scale of the shortfall.

Details of the Project

The residential development is planned for Ikeja Local Government Area and falls under the executive and legislative allocations of the state’s ₦4.4 trillion 2026 Appropriation Law.

The project budget covers designs, soil tests, pile works, documentation, and consultancy services.

In addition, ₦20 billion has been set aside for site development at the proposed permanent legislative quarters. The works will include perimeter fencing, drainage systems, gutter slabs, landscaping, and beautification of the Assembly complex and residential zone.

Previous Allocations

The report noted that the Assembly had previously received allocations for residential projects. In the 2025 budget, more than ₦6 billion was approved for property acquisitions in Lagos and Abuja.

By the third quarter of that year, about ₦1.0003 billion had been spent to purchase 40 properties across the two cities.

That same year, the state also approved ₦3.5 billion for rehabilitation works at the Assembly complex, covering repairs to facilities such as gatehouses, car parks, prayer centres, and leisure areas.

Lawmakers’ Position

Some lawmakers had earlier denied that the 2026 budget contained provisions for residential properties. They argued that the Assembly’s capital expenditure represented less than 0.04 per cent of the state’s total capital spending.

However, the investigation indicated that the Assembly’s ₦79 billion capital allocation accounts for about 3.3 per cent of the state’s ₦2 trillion capital budget for 2026.

In total, the Assembly has a budget of ₦123 billion out of the state’s ₦4.4 trillion appropriation for the 2026 fiscal year.

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