TWELVE states have collectively earmarked over N102 billion in their 2025 budgets to renovate official residences, purchase fleets of luxury vehicles, and upgrade VIP government facilities, an investigation by News Point Nigeria has revealed.
The allocations, which appear in the capital expenditure breakdowns of the states’ Q1 budget performance reports, cover lavish spending on Toyota Prado SUVs, Jeep models, Hilux pickups, and high-end sedans like Toyota Camry and Corolla.
Also included are substantial amounts for lodge construction, guest house refurbishments, and official quarters.
Leading the chart is Lagos State, which budgeted about N33 billion, with N20.67 billion going to vehicle acquisition for lawmakers alone.
The state also set aside over N1.15 billion to renovate its lodges in Alausa and Abuja, and another N11 billion for the rehabilitation of the Assembly complex.
Delta State followed with N14.91 billion, which includes N11.23 billion for over 260 vehicles, including SUVs and pickups for the governor’s convoy and former office holders.
Another N2.73 billion went into extensive renovation of lodges across Asaba, Warri, Lagos, and Abuja.
Taraba State committed N9.57 billion to upgrading its executive lodges. Among the notable allocations were N3 billion for multiple lodges across six towns, and N1.17 billion for constructing and furnishing the deputy governor’s residence.
Borno State allocated N7.75 billion, including N6.92 billion for acquiring 50 vehicles and other departmental transport needs.
Lodge upgrades in the state totalled N830.5 million, covering staff quarters and assembly guesthouses.
Ondo State budgeted N7.51 billion, with N3.95 billion going to 27 Toyota Fortuners, 13 Corollas, 5 Hilux, and an armoured vehicle for the executive. Lodge and office renovations consumed N1.33 billion.
Adamawa State set aside N6.46 billion, with N2.9 billion allocated to SUV procurement and N3.56 billion for upgrading governor and deputy governor lodges in Yola and Abuja.
Other notable allocations include:
Kebbi State: N5.66 billion (vehicles for the assembly and liaison office upgrades in four cities).
Ekiti State: N5.16 billion (government lodges in Ado Ekiti and Abuja, and 80 vehicles including Prado Jeeps and JAC SUVs).
Cross River State: N4.52 billion (renovation of lodges, 28 Toyota Prado SUVs for lawmakers).
Jigawa State: N3.39 billion (official cars and renovations across governor’s residence, liaison offices).
Yobe State: N2.91 billion (30 Hilux pickups, renovations of Emir’s Lodge and VIP chalets).
Imo State: N1.45 billion (renovation of official residences, 58 vehicles including Prado Jeeps for judges and pickups for judicial officers).
News Point Nigeria gathered that despite widespread public criticism of government extravagance, most of these expenditures are justified in the budgets as infrastructure maintenance or logistical needs.
Meanwhile, capital spending details from the remaining 24 states and the Federal Capital Territory were unavailable, as those states failed to publish complete budget performance reports.
The development has sparked fresh debates on fiscal priorities, especially as millions of Nigerians grapple with inflation, unemployment, and failing public services.