Government spending on infrastructure and transportation remains a significant aspect of budgetary allocations across numerous states in Nigeria. A review of the 2025 first-quarter budget performance reports of 12 states reveals a substantial combined allocation of approximately N102 billion earmarked for upgrading official lodges, offices, and procuring new vehicles, predominantly Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs). This expenditure falls under the capital expenditure category and reflects the prioritization of these areas by the respective state governments. The states in question include Lagos, Adamawa, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ekiti, Imo, Jigawa, Kebbi, Ondo, Taraba, and Yobe, showcasing a geographically diverse range of investment in these sectors.
Lagos State emerges as the highest spender, allocating approximately N33 billion towards vehicle procurement and lodge upgrades. This includes a significant N20.67 billion for backup vehicles for state lawmakers, reflecting a focus on facilitating legislative activities. Further allocations include N11.04 billion for rehabilitating the Assembly Complex, emphasizing the importance of maintaining functional legislative infrastructure. In addition, N150 million is designated for renovating the speaker’s residence and guest house, and N1.15 billion is earmarked for upgrading state lodges in Alausa and Abuja, highlighting the need for suitable accommodation for government officials.
Delta State follows with an allocation of N14.91 billion for vehicles and lodge-related projects. A substantial portion, N11.23 billion, is specifically for procuring 50 Toyota SUVs and 210 other vehicles for the Government House, suggesting a focus on transportation needs. Additional allocations include provisions for official cars for assembly staff, vehicles for ad-hoc bodies, vehicles for former governors and deputy governors, and Hilux pickups, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to vehicle acquisition. The remaining N2.73 billion is allocated for lodge renovations across various locations, including the government quarters, maintenance, and office rehabilitation in Asaba, as well as lodges in Abuja, Warri, and Lagos, emphasizing the importance of maintaining suitable accommodation for officials.
Taraba State has earmarked N9.57 billion primarily for upgrading executive lodges. A significant portion of this allocation, N2.4 billion, is designated for renovating the Government House and lodges in Jalingo, the state capital. Other renovations target the Twin Hall Lodge and Presidential Lodge Annex. Furthermore, N1.17 billion is allocated for the construction and furnishing of the deputy governor’s office and guest house. A substantial N3 billion is set aside for state lodges in various locations across the state, including Kakara, Wukari, Gembu, Serti, Takum, and Donga. This demonstrates a wide-reaching effort to improve accommodation facilities for government officials throughout the state.
Borno State has budgeted N7.75 billion, with the majority, N6.92 billion, allocated to vehicle procurement. This includes allocations for various government departments, such as the Ministry of Finance, Internal Security, Local Government, health, community development, information, and the Ministry of Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, and Resettlement. The remaining N830.5 million is allocated for lodge-related works, including the construction of new lodges, repairs on office buildings, and upgrades to the assembly guest house and staff quarters within the Government House. This indicates a balanced approach between transportation and accommodation needs.
Ondo State has allocated N7.51 billion, with N3.95 billion earmarked for vehicles for lawmakers. This includes specific allocations for jeeps for the speaker, deputy speaker, and majority leader, as well as Toyota Fortuner SUVs, Corollas, and Hilux pickups. The executive branch is allocated N2 billion for an armored vehicle, a Prado, and a GAC, while the commissioner for finance receives a Prado SUV. Lodge-related projects receive N1.33 billion, including allocations for lawmakers’ quarters, office and lodge renovations, and pest control. This distribution highlights the state’s focus on both transportation and accommodation for government officials.
The remaining states, Adamawa, Kebbi, Ekiti, Cross River, Jigawa, Yobe, and Imo, have also allocated substantial amounts towards vehicle procurement and lodge upgrades, ranging from N1.45 billion to N6.46 billion. These allocations reflect the diverse priorities of each state government and their efforts to improve infrastructure and transportation capabilities. While there is a noticeable emphasis on SUVs and other vehicles, funds are also directed towards renovating and upgrading existing lodges, guest houses, and liaison offices, demonstrating a commitment to providing suitable accommodation for government officials. The specific breakdown of allocations within each state varies, showcasing different approaches to addressing these needs. It is important to note that data for the remaining 24 states and the Federal Capital Territory could not be obtained due to a lack of disclosure in their budget performance reports.
