Budget Controversy: Ondo Government’s N245 Million SUV Purchase Sparks

The Ondo State government has allocated N245 million in its budget to purchase two Lexus SUVs for the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly, amounting to N122.5 million per vehicle. This significant expenditure on luxury vehicles comes amid growing calls for Nigerian states to reduce the cost of governance.

In contrast, the state has earmarked only N107 million for the capital expenditure of its Primary Healthcare Management Board for the entire year of 2024—less than half of what is being spent on the two SUVs. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, 66% of households in Ondo State lack access to sanitary facilities, and 51% lack access to clean drinking water. These pressing needs could be addressed with the funds currently allocated for the vehicles.

Additionally, the state has faced repeated protests from workers over unpaid salaries, with University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital staff protesting salary arrears as recently as May 2024. Despite these challenges, only N500 million has been budgeted for the Amotekun Corps’ capital expenditure in 2024, while nearly half of this amount is being directed towards purchasing vehicles for just two officials.

The state’s financial difficulties are further highlighted by the N8 billion spent on debt servicing in the first half of 2024, underscoring the urgent need for better management of its limited resources.