The revelation that members of Lagos State House of Assembly have spent over N43.5 billion on purchase of ‘back up vehicles’ has drawn anger and heavy criticism among the Lagosians, saying the money was too exorbitant for economic hardship pervading the country.
People said the money was part of N90.5 billion withdrawn from state coffers for questionable expenses between January to last quarter of 2024.
The records, show that between 2023 and 2024, the Lagos State Assembly allocated over N30 billion for vehicles during 2023 alone, with an additional N13.3 billion spent in the first three quarters of 2024.
Despite the significant expenditure, details about the type of vehicles purchased remain scarce, though it is believed each lawmaker received vehicles worth approximately N1.1 billion.
The spending spree is part of a broader pattern of what critics label as wasteful practices by Lagos lawmakers. Opposition leaders have decried the decision to prioritize luxury vehicles over the pressing needs of the state’s residents. Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, the Labour Party’s candidate in the 2023 governorship election, condemned the expenditure, calling it emblematic of the insensitivity of the ruling APC. “Any politician who prioritizes their comfort at a time of extreme hunger and hardship is unfit for public service,” Rhodes-Vivour remarked, warning that such actions risk inflaming public discontent.
The revelations come amid widespread concerns about the management of public funds in Lagos, one of Nigeria’s wealthiest states, yet one that struggles with basic infrastructure such as streetlights on major roads. Despite significant revenue generation, the state government has been criticized for its lack of transparency, refusing to open its books to public scrutiny.
The Lagos State government, under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, continues to allocate billions to undisclosed items in its budget. Critics argue that this financial opacity allows for unchecked spending on frivolous projects, while the state’s residents continue to face economic hardship.
