Sanwo-Olu Faces Backlash Over ₦9bn Lawmakers’ Vehicle Budget Amid Neglected Education Projects

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration is under fire following revelations, according to Sahara Reporters, of a ₦9 billion allocation for vehicles for Lagos State lawmakers in the 2025 budget, while critical education projects remain unfunded.

The 2024 Third Quarter (Q3) budget performance report revealed that ₦9 billion was spent in Q3 alone to provide utility vehicles for the 40 members of the Lagos State House of Assembly. From January to September 2024, the total expenditure on lawmakers’ vehicles reached ₦13.33 billion, representing 32.8% of the Assembly’s total budget allocation.

In stark contrast, Sahara Reporters highlighted that vital educational projects received no funding during the same period. These include ₦8.57 billion allocated for renovations at Lagos State University (LASU) and ₦191 million for vocational centres in Badagry and Sabo, which both remain unfunded.

Additionally, accreditation exercises for LASU and the Lagos State College of Health Technology—budgeted at ₦824.6 million and ₦200 million, respectively—have also seen zero disbursement.

“Despite an allocation of ₦8.57 billion in the original and revised budgets for upgrading university facilities, including the Senate, library, and faculty buildings, no funds have been released as of Q3,” the report revealed.

Critics argue this underscores misplaced priorities in Lagos’ governance. Observers warn that prioritizing vehicles over education could have long-term repercussions for socioeconomic development in the state.

“This budgetary disparity highlights a glaring disregard for the future of Lagosians,” a public affairs analyst commented.

The report has sparked widespread calls for a budgetary review, with increasing pressure on Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration to address these inequalities and refocus spending on essential sectors such as education.