Lagos govt spends ₦19.02bn on refreshments, allowances, ₦7.3bn on primary healthcare

The Lagos State Government under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu spent approximately ₦19.02 billion on refreshments, hospitality, honoraria and sitting allowances between January and June 2026, compared with ₦7.3 billion on primary healthcare.

According to SaharaReporters, the figures were obtained from the state’s 2026 Second Quarter Budget Implementation Report.

The report revealed that ₦15.97 billion went into refreshments, entertainment and hospitality, representing 48.5 per cent of the annual allocation.

Another ₦3.05 billion was spent on honoraria and sitting allowances, accounting for 74.1 per cent of the yearly budget.

Meanwhile, primary healthcare received ₦7.33 billion, representing 38.1 per cent of its ₦19.23 billion annual allocation.

The expenditure comes amid persistent healthcare challenges, including overcrowded hospitals, personnel shortages and industrial disputes.

Healthcare workers under JOHESU previously embarked on strike over unpaid allowances and welfare concerns.

Resident doctors at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital also staged a three-day warning strike in June over outstanding salaries and professional allowances.

The spending disparity has consequently raised concerns about government priorities.