Lagos breaks silence on ₦4.2bn Deputy Governor Budget row

The Lagos State Government has dismissed reports alleging that ₦4.2 billion was earmarked in the 2026 budget for the purchase of office furniture and 30 microphones for the Office of the Deputy Governor, describing the claim as a misinterpretation of approved capital provisions.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget clarified that the total capital allocation for the Office of the Deputy Governor in the 2026 fiscal year stands at ₦4,247,816,006.

According to the government, the entire sum was wrongly portrayed as funding solely for furniture and microphones.

It explained that ₦4,077,816,006, representing the bulk of the allocation, is designated for the reconstruction of the Round House complex, a six-storey facility housing more than 50 offices.

The government said the project covered structural upgrades, retrofitting works and the installation of alternative energy infrastructure, among other improvements.

The remaining ₦170 million, the statement noted, is allocated for the purchase of office equipment, furniture and fittings, as well as other capital items.

To reinforce its position, the government said screenshots of the relevant budget master sheet had been attached for public scrutiny and transparency.

The state reiterated that its budgetary process is guided by due process, fiscal discipline and established accounting standards, urging stakeholders and media organisations to verify information through appropriate official channels before publication.

The government maintained that it remains committed to prudent management of public resources and expressed regret over what it described as a misunderstanding arising from budget classification.