The Lagos State Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget has rejected reports alleging that N4.2 billion was earmarked in the 2026 budget for the purchase of office furniture and microphones for the Office of the Deputy Governor, describing the claim as a misrepresentation of the state’s capital provisions.
In a statement shared on Friday, the ministry stated that the N4,247,816,006 (N4.2 billion) referenced in the reports represents the total capital allocation to the Office of the Deputy Governor for the 2026 fiscal year, and not an amount dedicated solely to furniture and microphones.
“The total capital allocation for the Office of the Deputy Governor for Y2026 is N4,247,816,006. This figure has been incorrectly represented as an allocation solely for the purchase of office furniture and microphones,” the statement said.
According to the ministry, N4,077,816,006 of the total capital vote is earmarked for the reconstruction of the Round House complex, a six-storey facility housing over 50 offices.
It said the project includes structural upgrades, retrofitting works and the provision of alternative energy infrastructure for the building.
“Out of the total capital expenditure of the office, the sum of N4,077,816,006 is earmarked for the reconstruction of the Round House complex, including structural upgrades, retrofitting works, and the provision of alternative energy infrastructure for the building, amongst others,” the ministry said.
The balance of N170 million, it added, is allocated for office equipment, furniture and fittings, as well as other capital items.
“The balance in the sum of N170,000,000 of the budgeted capital allocation covers the purchase of office equipment, office furniture and fittings and other capital items,” the statement said.
The ministry urged stakeholders and media organisations to verify budget details through appropriate official channels to avoid inaccurate reporting, reiterating that budgetary provisions are guided by due process, fiscal discipline and established accounting standards.
It also reaffirmed the commitment of the Lagos State Government to prudent management of public resources and expressed regret over any misunderstanding arising from the classification of the budget items.
Background
The explanation followed reports on social media that a review of the approved 2026 budget showed that the Office of the Deputy Governor had earmarked N4.2 billion for the purchase of office furniture and 30 microphones.
According to the reports, the allocation covers 10 executive tables and chairs, 40 visitor chairs, and 120 officers’ tables and chairs for the Deputy Governor’s Office, including newly deployed principal staff and other offices.
It also includes the procurement of 30 microphones for the delegates’ conference room.
The reports further indicated that between January and September 2025, N97.5 million was spent on similar items, while an additional N4.247 billion was proposed for the 2026 fiscal year.
A breakdown of the 2026 spending plan also shows that N35.4 billion is allocated for the construction of permanent legislative quarters for lawmakers, covering architectural designs, structural engineering, soil testing, piling works and consultancy services. An additional N20 billion is earmarked for fencing, drainage works, covering of gutters with slabs, landscaping and beautification of the Assembly complex and legislative quarters.
In contrast, N16 billion is budgeted for “MDA-executed community-based capital infrastructural intervention” projects.
The controversy comes weeks after the Lagos State House of Assembly approved a N4.44 trillion budget for the 2026 fiscal year.
The House passed a bill authorising the issuance and appropriation of N4,444,509,776,438 for the year ending 31 December, following the presentation and consideration of the appropriation report by its Committee on Economic Planning and Budget.
The approved budget comprises N2.106 trillion for recurrent expenditure and N2.337 trillion for capital projects.
Following the passage of the bill, the Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, directed the Clerk of the Assembly, Olalekan Onafeko, to transmit a clean copy of the budget to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for assent.
Governor Sanwo-Olu had earlier presented a proposed N4.237 trillion budget to lawmakers in November 2025, describing it as the “Budget of Shared Prosperity” aimed at promoting inclusive growth and improving residents’ welfare, in line with the state’s T.H.E.M.E.S+ development agenda.