The Ekiti State government has spent N470 million on the construction of a N1.8 billion lodge in Asokoro, Abuja, intended for Governor Biodun Oyebanji and Deputy Governor Monisade Afuye.

• Project Budget & Spending:
  • Total budget: N1.8 billion
  • Amount spent (Jan–Sep 2025): N470 million
  • Budget description: “Construction of New governor and deputy governor lodge, Asokoro, Abuja”
• Contract Details:
  • Earlier, a N320 million contract was awarded for a guesthouse chalet within the Government House.
  • Contracts for this and other state projects were often awarded to permanent secretaries, raising concerns about lack of competitive bidding.
• Public Resource Concerns:
  • A review of the Ekiti State audited financial statement (2024) showed that 35 government agencies received no capital funding, despite a total budget of N3.3 billion for them.
  • Agencies affected include: Ministry of Education, Deputy Governor’s Office, State Mortgage Board, Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, and several liaison offices.
• Other Controversial Contracts:
  • N3.3 billion for “Supply and Installation of an Instrument Landing System” at Ekiti State Airport
  • N75.1 million for one 18-seater Sunray bus and four Bajaj motorcycles
  • N45 million for the second phase of a meteorological station
  • Multiple airport electrification and equipment contracts totaling billions

The awarding of contracts to permanent secretaries has sparked criticism, suggesting a lack of transparency and competitive bidding, even as many essential agencies received no funding for capital projects.