The Lagos State Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget has dismissed reports suggesting that N4.2 billion was designated in the 2026 budget for purchasing office furniture and microphones for the Deputy Governor's Office. The ministry labeled these claims as a misinterpretation of the actual capital allocations.
In a statement released on Friday, officials clarified that the figure of N4,247,816,006 (N4.2 billion) mentioned pertains to the total capital provision for the Office of the Deputy Governor for the fiscal year 2026, rather than representing a specific expenditure on office furniture and microphones.
The ministry elaborated, stating, "The total capital allocation for the Office of the Deputy Governor for 2026 is N4,247,816,006. This amount has been inaccurately characterized as being solely for office furniture and microphones."
Furthermore, N4,077,816,006 of the overall budget is earmarked for the reconstruction of the Round House complex, a six-story building that accommodates over 50 offices.
The project includes various structural enhancements, retrofitting efforts, and the establishment of alternative energy sources for the facility. The ministry explained, "Out of the total capital expenditure for the office, N4,077,816,006 is designated for rebuilding the Round House complex, in addition to structural improvements and renewable energy initiatives."
The remaining N170 million will fund office equipment, furniture, fittings, and other related capital expenditures. The ministry noted, "The leftover N170,000,000 from the capital budget is allocated for office equipment, furniture, fittings, and various other capital necessities."
In light of recent discussions, the ministry encouraged stakeholders and media representatives to validate budgetary information through official channels to prevent inaccuracies in reporting, reiterating its commitment to appropriate fiscal management guided by established accounting principles and procedures.
The Lagos State Government expressed regret for any confusion resulting from the classification of budget items, reaffirming its dedication to the careful stewardship of public resources.
The clarification comes in response to recent social media reports which indicated that the Office of the Deputy Governor had allocated N4.2 billion for purchasing office furniture and 30 microphones. These claims detailed specifications including 10 executive desks and chairs, 40 visitor chairs, and 120 tables and chairs for various offices within the Deputy Governor's Office, including new principal staff appointments.
Additionally, the reports mentioned that N97.5 million had been spent on similar items between January and September 2025, with an additional N4.247 billion proposed for the 2026 fiscal year.
In a broader context, the 2026 budget also allocates N35.4 billion for constructing permanent legislative quarters for lawmakers, including costs for architectural design, structural engineering, soil testing, piling works, and consultancy services, while N20 billion is earmarked for various infrastructural developments around the Assembly complex.
Contrarily, N16 billion has been dedicated to community-based infrastructural projects executed by MDAs.
This situation arises just weeks after the Lagos State House of Assembly approved a comprehensive budget of N4.44 trillion for fiscal year 2026. Following thorough discussions and analyses, the House sanctioned the issuance and appropriation of N4,444,509,776,438 for the year concluding on December 31. This allocation encompasses N2.106 trillion for recurrent expenditures and N2.337 trillion for capital initiatives.
After passing the budget bill, Speaker Mudashiru Obasa instructed the Clerk of the Assembly, Olalekan Onafeko, to prepare a finalized version for Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu's approval.
Previously, Governor Sanwo-Olu had presented a proposed N4.237 trillion budget to the assembly in November 2025, labeling it the 'Budget of Shared Prosperity' aimed at enhancing overall welfare and promoting inclusive growth in alignment with the state's T.H.E.M.E.S+ development agenda.
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