According to an exclusive review of budget performance documents, the Ondo State government has earmarked N245 million to purchase two Lexus jeeps for the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly. This amounts to N122.5 million per vehicle.
This development raises concerns about prioritization, as the state has pressing needs in primary healthcare and debt management. For 2024, only N107 million have been allocated for capital expenditure at Ondo State Primary Health Care Management Board, which is less than half of what is designated for luxury vehicles.
Data from the National Bureau of Statistics shows that 66% of households in Ondo State do not have access to sanitary facilities, and 51% lack access to clean drinking water. These pressing issues could be solved with the funds allocated for the jeeps.
Furthermore, the state has witnessed protests by workers over unpaid salaries, with University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital staff demonstrating in May 2024 over delayed salary payment.
In contrast, for security measures through the Amotekun corps, a project is given out as low as N500 million for 2024, which is less than half what is meant for its luxury cars.
Debt crisis is another area that raises concern within the state, as it expended N8 billion on debt servicing within first half 2024 alone.
