The Lagos State House of Assembly has refuted reports alleging that it allocated funds to procure residential properties in Abuja for its members under the 2026 Appropriation Law, describing the claim as unfounded and driven by political motives.
In a joint statement issued on Tuesday, the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Strategy and Security, Hon. Stephen Ogundipe, and the Chairman of the Committee on Economic Planning and Budget, Hon. Sa’ad Olumoh, said the allegation was entirely false and urged members of the public to independently review the appropriation law.
According to the lawmakers, there is no provision in the 2026 budget for the purchase of houses in Abuja or any other location for members of the Assembly.
“At no point does the 2026 Appropriation Law make provision for the acquisition of houses in Abuja or elsewhere for legislators of the Lagos State House of Assembly. The claim is a fabrication and a deliberate attempt to mislead the public,” the statement read.
They stressed that the Assembly’s legislative functions and constitutional mandate are limited strictly to Lagos State, noting that the allegation lacked both legal and logical basis.
“The Lagos State House of Assembly does not conduct legislative business in Abuja. Our constituencies, oversight functions and legislative responsibilities are entirely within Lagos State. It is therefore unreasonable and irresponsible to suggest that public funds would be appropriated for personal accommodation outside our jurisdiction,, they stated.
The lawmakers noted that the 2026 Appropriation Law is a public document, accessible for scrutiny by residents and other interested Nigerians, adding that the allegation appears to be part of a calculated attempt to misinform the public ahead of electoral activities.
They further explained that the Assembly’s capital expenditure for 2026 represents less than 0.04 per cent of the state’s total capital budget, and that, historically, the legislature often does not fully utilise its approved allocations.
“In many fiscal years, the House does not even draw down the entirety of its budgetary allocation,” the statement added.
Ogundipe and Olumoh reaffirmed the Assembly’s alignment with the goals of the 2026 Budget of Shared Prosperity, emphasising its commitment to transparency, accountability and the protection of public interest.
They challenged those behind the allegation to provide verifiable evidence to support their claims or issue an immediate retraction, warning that failure to do so could lead to legal action.
The Assembly also advised Lagos residents to disregard the report and rely on official and credible sources for accurate information on government policies and activities.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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