At least 12 Nigerian states have earmarked approximately N102 billion in their 2025 budgets for upgrading government lodges, offices, and acquiring new vehicles, including luxury SUVs, according to findings by Sunday PUNCH.
The allocations, detailed in the first-quarter budget performance reports accessed via state websites, cover modernization of official residences, tech upgrades for VIP suites, and the purchase of vehicle fleets, predominantly Toyota Prado SUVs, Jeep models, Hilux pickups, Camry, and Corolla sedans.
The affected states include Lagos, Adamawa, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ekiti, Imo, Jigawa, Kebbi, Ondo, Taraba, and Yobe.
Lagos Leads with N33bn Allocation
Lagos State allocated the highest amount, N33 billion, for vehicle procurement and lodge upgrades. Of this, N20.67 billion is designated for backup vehicles for state lawmakers, N11.04 billion for rehabilitating the Assembly Complex, N150 million for renovating the Speaker’s residence and guest house, and N1.15 billion for upgrading state lodges in Alausa and Abuja.
Delta’s N14.91bn for Vehicles and Lodges
Delta State follows with N14.91 billion, including N11.23 billion for 50 Toyota SUVs and 210 other vehicles for the Government House. Additional vehicle allocations include N451.91 million for 10 official cars for assembly staff, N100 million for vehicles for the SSG and ad-hoc bodies, N200 million for 10 SUVs and five Corollas for former governors and a former deputy, and N200 million for five Hilux pickups. Lodge-related projects total N2.73 billion, with N1.5 billion for government quarters in Asaba, N250 million for Government House maintenance, N250 million for office rehabilitation, N100 million each for the deputy governor’s lodge and former Speaker’s quarters, and N205 million for governor and deputy governor’s lodges and guest houses in Abuja. Additionally, N100 million is budgeted for state lodges in Warri and Lagos, and N220.18 million for VIP guest house upkeep.
Taraba’s N9.57bn for Executive Lodges
Taraba State allocated N9.57 billion for executive lodge upgrades. In Jalingo, N2.4 billion is set for renovating the Government House and lodges, N700 million for Twin Hall Lodge, and N100 million for the Presidential Lodge Annex. The deputy governor’s office and guest house received N1.17 billion for construction and furnishing, while N3 billion is allocated for lodges in Kakara, Wukari, Gembu, Serti, Takum, and Donga. Other provisions include N800 million for Lodge 77 in Yola, N300 million for Taraba Motel VIP lodge, N400 million for general upgrades, and N650 million for renovating and furnishing the head of service’s guest house.
Borno’s N7.75bn for Vehicles and Lodges
Borno State budgeted N7.75 billion, with N6.92 billion for vehicle procurement, including N5.4 billion for 50 vehicles, such as Volkswagen wagons, under the Ministry of Finance. Other vehicle allocations include N1 billion for two golf cars for internal security, N200 million for one Hilux and two Corollas for local government, N100 million for three Hilux for health, N80 million for five Hilux for community development, N100 million for five vans for information, and N35 million for five Hilux under the Ministry of Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, and Resettlement. Lodge-related works total N830.5 million, including N30.5 million for two new lodges, N200 million for repairs on 20 office buildings, N100 million for the assembly guest house, and N500 million for 60 staff quarters within the Government House.These substantial allocations highlight the states’ focus on enhancing official infrastructure and mobility, though specific details on other states’ expenditures were not provided in the report. The investments come amid ongoing debates about prioritizing capital projects in the face of economic challenges.