Lagos Assembly Faces Backlash Over Fresh ₦20.6 Billion Vehicle Budget After ₦45 Billion Spent in Two Years

Despite allocating ₦45 billion between 2023 and 2024 for lawmakers’ vehicles, the Lagos State House of Assembly has approved an additional ₦20.6 billion for the same purpose in the 2025 fiscal year, drawing sharp criticism from the public and civic groups.

Budget documents reveal that the new allocation will cover the purchase of 40 backup vehicles, 40 utility buses, and 40 official cars for the Assembly’s 40 members.

Previously, ₦30.194 billion was spent on similar purchases in 2023, followed by ₦15 billion in 2024. If the new budget is fully expended, the total amount spent on vehicles for lawmakers in three years will reach ₦65 billion.

The Assembly has also set aside ₦500 million for arrival guest houses and residential quarters, ₦30.3 billion for new fences, access roads, and landscaping, and ₦11.041 billion for rehabilitating the Assembly complex, including gatehouses, prayer spaces, car parks, and leisure facilities.

Meanwhile, allegations of mismanagement continue to trail the Assembly’s leadership. A coalition recently filed a petition with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), demanding an investigation into the alleged misappropriation of ₦17 billion meant for constructing a gate at the Assembly complex.

According to the petition, the Speaker allegedly awarded a ₦469 million contract for the Ikeja Local Government Secretariat to a firm used as a front for fraudulent activities. The same petition claims ₦200 million was approved for a thanksgiving event that should not have cost more than ₦2 million.

The Assembly has also faced internal leadership struggles. After the removal of Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, Mojisola Meranda was elected as his replacement. However, she was reportedly pressured to resign, paving the way for Obasa’s return an event that sparked intense public debate and criticism.

Citizens and civic organizations have condemned the Assembly’s actions, describing them as reckless and insensitive at a time when basic infrastructure, education, and healthcare remain underfunded.