At least 12 Nigerian states have budgeted about N102 billion in their 2025 plans to upgrade official residences and buy new Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs), according to reports gathered by Sunday PUNCH.
These states include Lagos, Delta, Adamawa, Taraba, Borno, Cross River, Ondo, Kebbi, Ekiti, Imo, Yobe, and Jigawa. The funds will cover renovations of government lodges, guest houses, and offices, as well as the purchase of high-end vehicles such as Toyota Prado SUVs, Hilux pickups, Camrys, and Jeeps.
Lagos State led the list, budgeting N33 billion for these upgrades. Of that amount, N20.67 billion will go into backup vehicles for lawmakers. The state also allocated over N11 billion to renovate the Assembly Complex, the Speaker’s residence, and lodges in Alausa and Abuja.
Delta State followed with N14.91 billion for vehicle purchases and lodge works. This includes N11.23 billion for 50 Toyota SUVs and other vehicles for government officials. Delta also budgeted N2.73 billion for lodge upgrades in Asaba, Warri, Lagos, and Abuja.
Taraba State plans to spend N9.57 billion. The funds will go to renovating lodges in several towns including Jalingo, Gembu, and Kakara, and for buying vehicles and furnishing official residences.
Borno State budgeted N7.75 billion, of which N6.92 billion is for buying 50 new vehicles. The state also set aside N830 million for constructing and repairing government lodges and offices.
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In Ondo State, N7.51 billion was budgeted. Lawmakers will receive N3.95 billion worth of vehicles, including Toyota Fortuners, Hilux pickups, and Jeeps. The executive arm will spend N2 billion on an armoured vehicle and other SUVs.
Adamawa State will spend N6.46 billion, with N2.9 billion going toward 42 SUVs. The rest will go into upgrading and furnishing lodges in Yola and Abuja.
Kebbi State allocated N5.66 billion, which includes N2.36 billion for Assembly vehicles and N3.3 billion for upgrading liaison offices in Abuja, Lagos, Kaduna, and Sokoto.
Ekiti State earmarked N5.16 billion for vehicles and lodge upgrades. This includes N3 billion for SUVs and N2.36 billion for renovations of government lodges in Ado Ekiti and Abuja.
Cross River State set aside N4.52 billion for similar projects. Of this, N1.5 billion will go into renovating the Governor and Deputy Governor’s lodges, while N1.39 billion will be spent on SUVs for Assembly members.
Jigawa State budgeted N3.39 billion, which includes N1 billion for four Hilux pickups and N300 million for presidential wing renovation. It also plans to spend N1.14 billion on vehicles for state officials.
Yobe State will spend N2.91 billion, mostly for buying Hilux pickups for judges and government staff. It also plans to upgrade the Emir’s Lodge and State Hotel chalets in Damaturu.
Imo State allocated N1.45 billion for official vehicles and building renovations. About N770 million will be used to buy cars for judges and other officials, while the rest is for refurbishing government lodges in Owerri, Lagos, and Abuja.
Meanwhile, budget details for 24 other states and the Federal Capital Territory were not publicly available.
This spending comes at a time when many Nigerians are facing economic hardship. Critics have often questioned the need for such large expenditures on luxury vehicles and government buildings.
Public affairs analyst, Chidi Nwokoye, reacted by saying: “It is worrisome that so many states are spending billions on SUVs and lodges, while hospitals and schools are still underfunded.”