Lagos Assembly budget officials deny claims of Abuja housing provision in 2026 budget, describing reports as misleading and malicious
The Lagos State House of Assembly has firmly dismissed as misleading and mischievous reports claiming that the 2026 Appropriation Law contains provisions for the purchase of houses in Abuja for its members.
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The rebuttal was contained in a statement jointly signed by 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.
Describing the report as a deliberate falsehood peddled by patently ignorant individuals, the lawmakers stated that there is no provision whatsoever in the Lagos Assembly budget for the purchase of houses in Abuja or any other location for members of the House.
According to the statement, the claim is a complete fabrication and a product of political mischief designed to misinform the public and undermine confidence in democratic institutions.
The legislators stressed that the Lagos State House of Assembly does not operate in Abuja, noting that its constitutional responsibilities, constituencies, and legislative duties are entirely domiciled within Lagos State.
They described it as illogical and irresponsible to suggest that public funds would be appropriated for personal housing outside the state’s jurisdiction.
The statement further emphasised that the Lagos Assembly budget is already in the public domain and open to scrutiny by Lagosians and Nigerians alike.
It reiterated that Lagos State operates a transparent and people focused budgeting system befitting a fast growing megacity.
The chairmen warned that the rumour forms part of a broader election season propaganda aimed at eroding public trust, sowing discord, and maligning democratic institutions.
Clarifying further, they revealed that the 2026 capital expenditure of the House of Assembly accounts for less than 0.04 per cent of the total capital expenditure of Lagos State, underscoring a culture of prudence, accountability, and fiscal responsibility.
They added that historically, the House does not even access its full approved budget in many fiscal years.
Reaffirming their commitment to good governance, the lawmakers said the Assembly remains dedicated to transparency, excellence, and the collective welfare of Lagos residents, in alignment with the goals of the 2026 Budget of Shared Prosperity.
They challenged those behind the allegation to produce credible evidence or retract their statements immediately, warning that failure to do so could attract appropriate legal action.
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The public was urged to disregard the baseless rumour and to always verify information from official and credible sources.
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
