A review of the Lagos State 2024 Third Quarter (Q3) budget performance report has revealed that the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu spent N9 billion on purchasing “backup vehicles” for 40 members of the State House of Assembly.
The report, which detailed the state’s expenditures up to September 30, 2024, shows cumulative spending for the first three quarters of the fiscal year. It indicates that between January and September 2024, a total of N13.33 billion—representing 32.8% of the House of Assembly’s total budget—was used to procure backup utility buses and official vehicles for the lawmakers.
Assembly Budget Breakdown
The initial budget allocation for the House of Assembly’s vehicle procurement was N35.67 billion in the state’s original budget, later revised to N40.67 billion. The Q3 spending alone accounts for N9 billion of this total.
Meanwhile, the state’s overall capital expenditure by project for Q3 was N317.69 billion, while cumulative capital expenditure from January to September stood at N770.03 billion.
Neglected Projects
Despite the heavy spending on vehicles, the report highlights the lack of funding for critical education and infrastructure projects.
- Lagos State Agency for Mass Education:
Allocated: N191.35 million (for rehabilitation/upgrading of vocational centres in Badagry and Sabo).
Funds Released: Zero.
- Lagos State University (LASU):
Renovation/Upgrading of university buildings:
Allocated: N8.57 billion (original budget); N1.07 billion (revised budget).
Funds Released: Zero.
2023 Accreditation Exercise:
Allocated: N824.66 million.
Funds Released: Zero.
- Lagos State College of Health Technology:
Allocated: N200 million for an accreditation programme.
Funds Released: Zero.
Public Concerns
The budget performance report has sparked criticism, with many questioning the prioritization of vehicle procurement over critical developmental projects. Stakeholders argue that the lack of funding for educational institutions, rehabilitation centres, and accreditation programmes undermines the state’s commitment to social and infrastructural development.
Observers have urged the Lagos State government to address the glaring disparities in budget implementation and prioritize projects that directly impact the lives of citizens. The heavy expenditure on lawmakers’ vehicles, juxtaposed with zero funding for key educational and vocational projects, has become a point of contention in the public discourse.
