A strange N20.6 billion allocated for cars for members of the Lagos State House of Assembly has found its way into the State’s 2026 budget in what some lawmakers say they are not aware of. THEMOMENTNG reports.
Lawmakers who spoke to us said they are not aware and did not see the budget of the House before it was added to the State’s general budget. Meanwhile, two top members of the Ministry of Budget told our correspondent that the executive only approved the House budget figure sent by the legislature.
“See, the executive arm is innocent here. Some media houses claim that it is Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu who plans to buy the cars for them but the Assembly has financial autonomy. They send their budget to us and it is added to the State’s budget,” the staff who pleaded to remain anonymous said.
Asked if the figure currently being reported by a section of the media is correct, the staff said he was not in a position to confirm or deny it.
Budget documents for 2026, according to AljazirahNigeria showed “an allocation of over N20.6 billion for vehicles for the 40 members of the Lagos State House of Assembly. This translates to approximately N516 million per legislator for vehicles alone.”
The report quoted critics describing the figure as excessive, particularly against the backdrop of widespread economic hardship and rising living costs.
Some lawmakers have expressed concern over the development. “We already have official cars, one Toyota SUV and a backup Hilux. If true that there is a provision for cars again in the budget, then I don’t know why we have the budget there. But I am not in the best position to speak on it. Maybe you should speak to the management of the House or the chairman of the committee on information,” a lawmaker told this newspaper.
Another legislator told that the members of the House hardly see the breakdown of the budget for the Assembly. According to him, many of his colleagues only know of the budget figure during the process leading to its passage.
“Has any of my colleagues told you that they see the breakdown of the Assembly budget? If you see anyone who has the breakdown, that person is close to the top. So if you want a breakdown, go to the top,” he said without giving details of what he meant by “the top”.
Last year, Peoples Gazette reported that documents available to it showed that the Assembly disbursed N43.5 billion for what it called “back-up vehicles for honourable members.”
In line with our commitment to fact-finding, we contacted the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Hon. Stephen Ogundipe, via his mobile line and WhatsApp for clarification. However, as of press time, he had yet to respond to our inquiry.
