Sanwo-Olu’s government budgets fresh ₦2bn for canteen already renovated with ₦1bn

DDM News

A fresh wave of public outrage has greeted revelations about Lagos State’s 2025 budget allocations under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that despite already spending ₦1 billion in 2024 to renovate two staff canteens, the Lagos State Government has allocated another ₦2 billion for the same purpose in 2025.

According to budget documents reviewed, ₦1 billion was spent last year to renovate the Alausa and Old Secretariat Staff Canteens.

That amount represented a 100% budget performance, as it matched the full amount initially earmarked.

Despite this, the 2025 approved budget shows a new ₦2 billion allocation for what appears to be the same renovation project.

The move has triggered criticism, especially amid rising concerns over reckless government spending and worsening economic hardship across the country.

Citizens and civil society groups have questioned why a project already completed in 2024 now requires double the cost in 2025.

This budget anomaly comes just as Lagos lawmakers have also approved huge sums for vehicles, buildings, and infrastructure that many describe as excessive.

Reports show that Lagos State spent a staggering ₦45 billion on vehicles for the State House of Assembly between 2023 and 2024.

The breakdown indicates that ₦30.194 billion was used in 2023, followed by ₦15 billion in 2024 for official, utility, and backup vehicles for the 40 members.

Yet, the 2025 budget includes another ₦20.6 billion to purchase 40 more backup vehicles, 40 utility buses, and 40 new official cars.

If fully expended, Lagos lawmakers would have spent ₦65 billion on vehicles alone in just three years.

In addition to that, ₦500 million has been earmarked for the provision of guest houses and residential quarters for Assembly members.

Another ₦30.3 billion will go toward landscaping, building access roads, new fencing, and beautification projects around the complex.

There is also a separate ₦11.041 billion set aside for the rehabilitation of the House of Assembly complex, covering car parks, prayer grounds, gatehouses, and leisure facilities.

The growing trend of repeated and bloated budget lines is prompting louder calls for fiscal responsibility and independent budget monitoring in the state.

Critics argue that basic public infrastructure like hospitals, schools, and roads remain underfunded while political institutions continue to enjoy luxurious allocations.

Activists say such questionable budgeting contradicts the principles of transparency and accountability that Governor Sanwo-Olu once promised when he assumed office.

The controversy also underscores a recurring issue in Nigerian governance — the recycling of contracts and the inflation of costs in public service delivery.

While officials have yet to explain the rationale behind the ₦2 billion canteen renovation, observers say it reflects a broader culture of impunity and misplaced priorities.

Stakeholders are demanding a public audit and detailed explanation from the Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget and the Office of the Governor.

As citizens face rising food prices, fuel scarcity, and high unemployment, many are now asking: who is really benefiting from the state’s massive budgets?

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