Lagos Assembly Under Fire Over ₦4.5bn Generator Procurement Plan

The Lagos State House of Assembly has drawn sharp criticism following revelations that it has earmarked ₦4.5 billion for the procurement of 50KVA power generators to be distributed to lawmakers.

The disclosure was made in a budget line item, which has since sparked outrage among citizens and civil society groups.

According to the report by Sahara Reporters, the Assembly justified the allocation as part of efforts to ensure lawmakers have reliable power supply in the discharge of their duties.

Each legislator is expected to receive one of the heavy-duty generators, which are typically used for commercial or large residential facilities.

The news has been met with widespread backlash, with critics describing the expenditure as wasteful and insensitive, especially given the current economic climate in which ordinary Lagosians continue to grapple with inflation, high electricity tariffs, and the rising cost of living.

Analysts point out that the amount—₦4.5 billion—appears excessive when compared to market prices of 50KVA generators, raising questions about transparency, procurement processes, and accountability in the Assembly’s budget management.

Civil society organizations have already begun calling for a review of the expenditure, urging the Lagos State government and anti-graft agencies to probe the rationale behind such a large allocation for generators at a time when the state is facing pressing challenges in healthcare, infrastructure, and public welfare.

This development adds to recent controversies surrounding the
Lagos Assembly’s spending, including earlier reports of billions budgeted for vehicles and property acquisitions for lawmakers.

Observers fear that the generator procurement controversy will further fuel public distrust in the legislature’s handling of state resources.

Neither the Speaker of the Lagos Assembly nor the state government has yet issued a formal statement addressing the growing criticism.