WorldStage– Lagos State Ministry of Economic Planning & Budget has responded to reports alleging that ₦4.2 billion was proposed in the 2026 budget for the purchase of office furniture and microphones for the Office of the Deputy Governor.
The ministry in a statement acknowledged that the total capital allocation for the Office of the Deputy Governor for year 2026 is ₦4,247,816,006 with N170,000,000 of the budgeted capital to purchase office equipment, office furniture & fittings and other capital items.
However, the bulk of the fund, the sum of ₦4,077,816,006, according to the ministry is earmarked for the reconstruction of the Round House complex.
The ministry however could not explain how the reconstruction of a 6-story building facility that houses over 50 offices with the amount (₦4,077,816,006) should find its way into the Deputy Governor capital expenditure budget, which must have responsible for the attention generated by the report.
The minstry in its defence said the claim is inaccurate and results from a clear misinterpretation of the approved capital provisions; This figure has been incorrectly represented as an allocation solely for the purchase of office furniture and microphones; Out of the total capital expenditure of the office, the sum of ₦4,077,816,006 is earmarked for the reconstruction of the Round House complex (This is a 6-story building facility that houses over 50 offices), including structural upgrades, retrofitting works, and the provision of alternative energy infrastructure for the building, amongst others; The balance in the sum of N170,000,000 of the budgeted capital allocated covers purchase of office equipment, office furniture & fittings and other capital items; 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;Lagos State Government remains committed to prudent management of public resources and regrets any misunderstanding arising from the classification.
