PAUL UTEBOR
Amid continuing economic pressures affecting households and small businesses in Ogun State and across the country, the spending priorities reflected in the state’s 2026 approved budget show a deliberate neglect of these economic realities by the state government.
With inflationary strain, rising living costs and limited income growth confronting residents, one would have expected a stronger fiscal emphasis on social welfare, job creation and economic relief. Instead, significant allocations have been directed towards vehicle procurement for public office holders.
The Ogun State 2026 budget provisions show substantial sums earmarked for the purchase of official and luxury vehicles for members of the legislative arm, including sport utility vehicles and other official cars. These allocations come at a time when citizens continue to grapple with economic hardship, infrastructure deficits and constrained access to essential services.
The huge sum of money allocated for the purchase of vehicles has drawn attention to the contrast between public expenditure on government officials and the everyday realities faced by ordinary residents.
A review of the 2026 budget of Ogun State shows that the government allocated the sum of ₦2.16 billion for the purchase of 27 units of Fortuner jeeps for the 26 members and the Clerk of the State House of Assembly (10th Assembly). The same amount was also budgeted for the same items in 2025, despite the fact that vehicles typically have a lifespan of more than four years.
The sum of ₦425 million was earmarked for the purchase of five Hilux vehicles as utility vans for the Ondo State House of Assembly (ODHA), despite the same amount being budgeted in the previous year.
Moreover, the state government intends to purchase three vehicles (jeeps) for the Speaker, Deputy Speaker and Majority Leader of the state’s 10th Assembly, valued at ₦245 million, which is also equivalent to the amount budgeted in 2025.
It was also approved that two JAC Hilux vans be purchased for the sum of ₦150 million. However, the cost of one JAC Hilux vehicle in Nigeria ranges from ₦48 million to ₦60 million, giving more credence to the presence of budget padding in the Ondo State budget document.