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Lagos Assembly Denies Allocating Funds for Abuja Housing in 2026 Budget
The Lagos State House of Assembly has forcefully rejected claims that it earmarked funds in the 2026 Appropriation Law for purchasing residential properties in Abuja for its members, calling the allegations “false,” “misleading,” and “mischievous.”
In a joint statement issued by Hon. Stephen Ogundipe, Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Strategy and Security, and Hon. Sa’ad Olumoh, who chairs the House Committee on Economic Planning and Budget, the Assembly described the reports as “a complete fabrication” designed to tarnish the legislature’s reputation.
“There is no provision whatsoever in the 2026 Budget for the purchase of houses in Abuja or anywhere else for members of the Lagos State House of Assembly,” the statement declared. “The Lagos State House of Assembly does not operate in Abuja. Our constitutional responsibilities, constituencies and legislative duties are entirely within Lagos State.”
The lawmakers emphasized that it would be “illogical and irresponsible” to suggest that public representatives would divert state funds for personal housing outside their jurisdiction, particularly in Nigeria’s federal capital, which lies approximately 700 kilometers from Lagos.
This denial comes amid heightened scrutiny of government spending across Nigeria, where public officials’ expenditures frequently face criticism from citizens grappling with economic challenges including inflation, currency devaluation, and rising living costs. The controversy emerges as Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial hub with an estimated population of over 20 million, continues to address significant infrastructure and social service demands.
The statement highlighted that the Assembly’s entire 2026 capital expenditure represents less than 0.04 percent of the state’s total capital spending, which the lawmakers presented as evidence of the legislature’s fiscal restraint. They added that historically, the House often does not fully utilize its approved allocations in many fiscal years.
The Assembly also emphasized that Lagos State operates a transparent budgeting process, with the 2026 budget already available for public scrutiny. The lawmakers characterized the allegations as politically motivated, describing them as “election-season propaganda” intended to “erode public trust, sow discord and discredit democratic institutions.”
Lagos State, which operates one of the largest sub-national budgets in Africa, has in recent years worked to expand its tax base and improve revenue collection to fund ambitious development projects across the megacity. The Assembly stated that its activities remain aligned with the objectives of what it calls the “2026 Budget of Shared Prosperity.”
Government spending in Nigeria frequently becomes a flashpoint for public debate, particularly regarding expenses perceived as benefiting elected officials rather than addressing pressing community needs. Similar controversies have emerged in other states where allegations of extravagant allowances or benefits for public officials have sparked criticism.
The Lagos Assembly’s statement challenged those behind the allegations to provide credible evidence or retract their claims, warning that failure to do so could result in legal action. The lawmakers urged Lagos residents and the wider public to verify information from “official and credible sources” before accepting such claims.
As Nigeria’s most populous and economically significant state, Lagos’ budget priorities remain under constant scrutiny, with citizens and civil society organizations closely monitoring how public funds are allocated and spent in addressing the megacity’s complex urban challenges.
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8 Comments
Interesting claims about the Lagos Assembly budget. I wonder what the motivation is behind these allegations of misusing public funds? Transparency in government spending is so important, so I hope the Assembly can provide clear explanations to address any concerns.
Hmm, this seems like a complex issue with potential political motivations behind the allegations. I appreciate the Assembly’s clear denial, but I wonder if there are any underlying tensions or disputes that could be fueling these claims. Transparency is key to maintaining public trust.
The Assembly’s strong language in calling these claims ‘false’ and ‘mischievous’ suggests they are taking this matter seriously. Maintaining public trust is crucial, so I hope they can get to the bottom of this and provide a transparent accounting.
The Assembly’s emphasis on their legislative duties being entirely within Lagos State is an interesting detail. If the reports of Abuja housing purchases are false, that would indeed seem illogical and irresponsible. I appreciate their firm pushback on these claims.
Hmm, this looks like a case of election-season propaganda trying to discredit the Assembly. I’m glad they are pushing back forcefully. Voters deserve accurate information, not misleading claims, when it comes to how their tax dollars are being used.
I’m curious to learn more about the context behind these allegations. Are there any ongoing political tensions or disputes that could be fueling this? Regardless, the Assembly’s denial seems quite clear. Hopefully this can be resolved without further mudslinging.
This looks like a classic case of political mudslinging ahead of elections. I’m glad the Assembly is taking a strong stance in refuting these apparently false claims. Voters deserve the facts, not propaganda, when it comes to how their tax money is being used.
The Assembly’s denial seems unequivocal. If the reports of Abuja housing purchases are indeed false, that’s good to hear. Public officials should be accountable for how they use taxpayer money. Let’s hope this can be resolved with full disclosure.