At least 12 state governments have earmarked roughly ₦102 billion in their 2025 budgets for the upgrade of official lodges, offices, and the purchase of new fleets of Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) and other automobiles, investigations by Sunday PUNCH have shown.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The allocations cover extensive modernisation projects, technology upgrades of VIP suites and government lodges, as well as the procurement of vehicles such as Toyota Prado SUVs, Jeep models, Hilux pickups, Camry and Corolla sedans, among others.

These expenditures are reflected in the capital components of first‑quarter budget performance reports published on the official websites of the affected states: Lagos, Adamawa, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ekiti, Imo, Jigawa, Kebbi, Ondo, Taraba, and Yobe.

Lagos tops the list

Lagos leads the spending chart, with about ₦33 billion devoted to lodge upgrades and vehicle purchases.

• ₦20.67 billion is set aside for backup vehicles for state lawmakers.

• ₦11.04 billion goes to renovating the Assembly Complex.

• ₦150 million is earmarked for repairs on the Speaker’s residence and guest house.

• Another ₦1.15 billion is allocated to upgrade state lodges in Alausa and Abuja.

Delta follows closely

Delta State budgeted ₦14.91 billion for similar projects:

• ₦11.23 billion for 50 Toyota SUVs and 210 other vehicles for Government House.

• ₦451.91 million for 10 official cars for Assembly staff.

• ₦100 million for vehicles under the SSG/ad‑hoc bodies.

• ₦200 million for 10 SUVs and five Corollas for former governors and a former deputy.

• ₦200 million for five Hilux pickups.

For lodge renovations, ₦2.73 billion is spread across different locations, including:

• ₦1.5 billion for government quarters in Asaba,

• ₦250 million for Government House maintenance,

• ₦250 million for office rehabilitation,

• ₦100 million for the deputy governor’s lodge,

• ₦100 million for the former Speaker’s quarters,

• ₦205 million for lodges and guest houses in Abuja,

• ₦100 million for lodges in Warri and Lagos,

• ₦220.18 million for VIP guest house upkeep.

Taraba’s massive lodge plan

Taraba allocated ₦9.57 billion for executive lodge upgrades:

• ₦2.4 billion for renovating the Government House and lodges in Jalingo,

• ₦700 million for the Twin Hall Lodge,

• ₦100 million for the Presidential Lodge Annex,

• ₦1.17 billion for constructing and furnishing the deputy governor’s office and guest house,

• ₦3 billion for lodges in Kakara, Wukari, Gembu, Serti, Takum, and Donga,

• ₦800 million for Lodge 77 in Yola,

• ₦300 million for Taraba Motel VIP lodge,

• ₦400 million for general upgrades, and

• ₦650 million for renovating and furnishing the head of service’s guest house.

Borno’s vehicle-heavy budget

Borno State’s allocation totals ₦7.75 billion, with ₦6.92 billion dedicated to vehicle procurement:

• ₦5.4 billion for 50 vehicles (including Volkswagen wagons) for the Ministry of Finance,

• ₦1 billion for two golf cars under Internal Security,

• ₦200 million for one Hilux and two Corollas for Local Government,

• ₦100 million for three Hilux for Health,

• ₦80 million for five Hilux for Community Development,

• ₦100 million for five vans for Information,

• ₦35 million for five Hilux under the Ministry of Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Resettlement.

For lodge-related projects, ₦830.5 million is allocated:

• ₦30.5 million for two new lodges,

• ₦200 million for repairs on 20 office buildings,

• ₦100 million for the Assembly guest house,

• ₦500 million for 60 staff quarters in the Government House.