Lagos Clarifies ₦4.2 Billion Allocation For Deputy Governor’s Office, Says Funds Not For Furniture Alone

The Lagos State Government has moved to address widespread public outrage and media reports suggesting that a staggering ₦4.2 billion was earmarked in the 2026 budget solely for the purchase of office furniture and microphones for the Office of the Deputy Governor. Authorities have described the reports as misleading, insisting that the figure in question represents the entire capital allocation for the office and not an expenditure limited to furnishings.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Lagos State Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget clarified that the ₦4,247,816,006 allocation captured in the 2026 Appropriation Bill covers multiple capital projects under the Office of the Deputy Governor, the most significant of which is a major infrastructure rehabilitation project.

According to the ministry, ₦4,077,816,006 of the total amount has been set aside for the comprehensive reconstruction of the Round House Complex, a six-storey facility that accommodates more than 50 offices and serves as a key administrative hub. The scope of work, the government explained, goes far beyond cosmetic renovations.

“The total capital allocation for the Office of the Deputy Governor for the 2026 fiscal year is ₦4,247,816,006. This figure has been incorrectly represented as an allocation solely for the purchase of office furniture and microphones,” the statement said.

The ministry further detailed that the reconstruction project includes extensive structural upgrades, retrofitting works to improve safety and functionality, and the installation of alternative energy infrastructure aimed at reducing reliance on the national grid and improving energy efficiency within the complex. Officials stressed that such upgrades are necessary given the age and heavy usage of the building.

Only ₦170 million of the total capital vote, the statement noted, is allocated for office equipment, furniture, fittings, and other related capital items. The government argued that isolating this smaller component and portraying it as the sole purpose of the ₦4.2 billion budget created a distorted picture that fueled public anger.

To promote transparency, the ministry said it attached screenshots of the relevant budget master sheet to its statement, allowing members of the public and the media to independently review and verify the breakdown of the allocation. It also urged journalists and commentators to seek clarification through official channels before publishing reports that could misinform the public.

“The government reiterates that budgetary provisions are guided by due process, fiscal discipline, and established accounting standards. Stakeholders and media organizations are encouraged to seek clarification through appropriate channels to ensure accurate reporting,” the statement added.

Despite the clarification, the controversy has sparked intense reactions among citizens, particularly on social media and online forums, where many Nigerians questioned the scale of spending on government offices at a time when public hospitals, schools, and road infrastructure face significant challenges. Some commentators argued that even the ₦4.07 billion earmarked for renovation appears excessive, while others expressed frustration that similar levels of investment are rarely seen in critical social sectors such as healthcare and education.

The Lagos State Government, however, maintained that it remains committed to prudent management of public resources and regretted any misunderstanding arising from the classification of the budget items. Officials insisted that capital projects across different sectors are assessed based on strategic needs and long-term value to governance and service delivery.

The clarification follows the initial report by Punch Newspapers, which triggered widespread debate after excerpts of the budget document circulated online without full context. As scrutiny of public spending continues to grow, analysts say the episode underscores the need for clearer budget communication and more proactive engagement with the public to build trust in government financial decisions.