Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has come under intense criticism following revelations of extravagant contracts, including the approval of N7.5 million to replace liquid fragrance in his office and N3 billion for rechargeable fans in the deputy governor’s office.
Other contracts highlighted by the state’s Public Procurement Agency ,PPA, for the 2nd and 3rd quarters of 2023 include hefty expenditures on luxury items such as a N440 million Lexus LX 600 Bulletproof SUV, N152 million for water supply restoration at Iduganran palace, and N581 million for the renovation of Saint Andrews Anglican Church in Oke-Popo.
Critics have questioned the allocation of N18.5 million for the supply and distribution of 2,000 Noiler chickens across local government areas, deeming it an unusual expense for the Chief of Staff’s office.
The office of the deputy governor is also under scrutiny for being awarded N30 million for monthly outreach to indigent citizens and an additional N30 million for an empowerment program.
The 2023 governorship candidate of the Action Democratic Congress ,ADC, in Lagos, Funsho Doherty, has raised concerns about these contracts, penning an open letter to Governor Sanwo-Olu urging a review of the projects.
Public policy expert Dr. Abimbola Oyarinu expressed disappointment, stating that the government‘s indulgence in lavish spending is contradictory to the prevailing economic hardship endured by the citizens.
Social crusader Olufemi Ajayi echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the insensitivity of the government’s actions in the face of public suffering.
As public discontent grows, the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotosho, and the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Gboyega Akoshile, remain unavailable for comments.
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