A review by SaharaReporters of Edo State’s approved 2026 budget indicates that ₦1 billion has been earmarked for the purchase of an armoured vehicle for the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly.
The budget further shows that ₦4.6 billion has been set aside to procure vehicles for the 25 members of the State House of Assembly. In addition to these allocations, lawmakers plan to spend ₦250 million on constructing a new legislative complex, while ₦60 million has been designated for renovating the Speaker’s guest house.
The financial breakdown also includes ₦170 million for the acquisition of one 2016 Toyota Camry and seven 2016 Toyota Corolla vehicles intended for the Chairman, members, and Secretary of the House of Assembly Commission. Another ₦50 million is allocated for refrigerators and other office equipment for four directors. Meanwhile, the House of Assembly Commission has budgeted ₦200 million for the replacement of the roof and windows of its office building.
Separately, civic accountability organisation MonITng has raised alarm over the execution of a high-value education project in Edo State, citing concerns over construction quality, procurement transparency, and what it describes as a pattern of questionable contract awards.
The group highlighted a project titled “Building of Blocks of Classrooms at Ojah Comprehensive High School, Akoko LGA, Edo State,” with project code ZIP20240448, valued at ₦222 million. The contract was awarded under the Federal Polytechnic Auchi and the Federal Ministry of Education. MonITng said its team visited the project site and confirmed that although the classrooms had been completed, the construction was substandard.
According to the group, the facility lacks essential finishing components such as landscaping, proper drainage systems, and standard finishing works, despite the significant funds allocated. It questioned the level of supervision and oversight applied during execution, as well as how the allocated resources were utilised.
MonITng further alleged that the contractor responsible for the project, Sam Sedi Nig. LTD, has been linked to several other controversial contracts reportedly facilitated by Senator Adams Oshiomhole. The group claimed the same contractor handled the Warake to Ivbiaro Road project in Owan East LGA, valued at ₦200 million, which it said remains unfinished despite reported disbursements. It also referenced an agricultural empowerment initiative in Etsako communities allegedly implemented by the same firm.
The organisation argued that the repeated awarding of major projects to the contractor, combined with allegations of incomplete or substandard delivery, points to possible procurement irregularities, inflated contracts, and potential misuse of public funds. It concluded that such practices reflect a broader pattern in which projects may appear completed on paper but fail to deliver tangible value due to weak oversight and limited accountability.