Lagos, Nigeria — The Lagos State House of Assembly has dismissed reports alleging that it allocated funds in the 2026 Appropriation Law for the purchase of houses in Abuja for its members, describing the claims as false, misleading and deliberately mischievous.
In a joint statement issued on Tuesday, the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Strategy and Security, Hon. Stephen Ogundipe, and the Chairman of the House Committee on Economic Planning and Budget, Hon. Sa’ad Olumoh, categorically denied the allegation, stating that no such provision exists in the 2026 budget.
According to the lawmakers, the report is a complete fabrication being circulated by “patently ignorant” individuals with the intention of misleading the public and discrediting the legislature.
“There is no provision whatsoever in the 2026 Budget for the purchase of houses in Abuja or anywhere else for members of the Lagos State House of Assembly,” the statement said. “The Assembly does not operate in Abuja. Our constitutional responsibilities, constituencies and legislative duties are entirely within Lagos State. It is therefore illogical and irresponsible to suggest that legislators would appropriate public funds for personal housing outside their jurisdiction.”
The Assembly noted that the 2026 budget is already in the public domain and open to scrutiny, stressing that Lagos State operates a transparent budgeting process focused on the needs of residents and the realities of governing a megacity.
The lawmakers further described the rumour as part of broader election-season propaganda aimed at eroding public trust, sowing discord and undermining democratic institutions.
They also clarified that the House of Assembly’s capital expenditure for 2026 accounts for less than 0.04 per cent of the state’s total capital expenditure, underscoring the legislature’s commitment to prudence, accountability and fiscal responsibility. Historically, they added, the House often does not fully utilize its approved budget in several fiscal years.
Reaffirming its commitment to good governance and the welfare of Lagos residents, the Assembly said its activities are aligned with the objectives of the 2026 Budget of Shared Prosperity.
The lawmakers challenged those behind the allegation to present credible evidence or retract their claims, warning that failure to do so could result in legal action.
Comments