Fresh controversy has emerged over claims that the Office of the Deputy Governor of Lagos State earmarked ₦4.2 billion in the proposed 2026 budget for office furniture and the purchase of 30 microphones — a figure that has triggered debate about public spending priorities in Nigeria’s commercial capital.
According to reports circulating from budget documents, the Deputy Governor’s Office included a multi-billion naira provision in the 2026 fiscal estimates for furnishing and equipping office spaces, including conference room audio systems.
However, a review of available official budget performance documents from the Lagos State Government presents a significantly different figure tied to similar procurement descriptions.
In the Lagos State Budget Performance Report for 2024 — which follows the same reporting structure used for subsequent fiscal proposals — the Office of the Deputy Governor listed a capital expenditure provision of ₦200 million for the purchase of executive tables and chairs, visitor chairs, office desks, and 30 microphones designated for a delegates’ conference room within the Deputy Governor’s office complex. The line item description specifically referenced furniture for newly deployed administrative officers, as well as conference room equipment upgrades.
The ₦200 million allocation was categorized strictly under capital expenditure, meaning it was intended for one-off procurement of durable assets rather than recurring overhead costs such as salaries or operational expenses.
The controversy stems from the sharp contrast between the ₦200 million officially documented capital provision and the ₦4.2 billion figure being cited in discussions surrounding the 2026 proposal. At the time of filing this report, no publicly accessible 2026 budget document independently confirms a ₦4.2 billion standalone allocation solely for furniture and microphones within the Deputy Governor’s Office.
Lagos State’s overall 2026 budget proposal runs into several trillions of naira, reflecting the state’s expansive infrastructure agenda, transport modernization efforts, healthcare expansion, and education sector investments. The budget remains subject to legislative scrutiny and approval by the Lagos State House of Assembly before full implementation.
