NEWS
Abia Budget Ministry Clarifies Lagos Liaison Office Provisions in 2026 Appropriation Law, Explains Clerical Error
The Abia State Ministry of Budget and Planning has issued a formal clarification over public commentaries and misinterpretations surrounding specific budgetary provisions for the Lagos Liaison Office in the 2026 Appropriation Law.
In a statement released on Saturday, February 7, 2026, the Ministry explained that concerns arose following the circulation of figures relating to capital expenditure items in the published 2026 fiscal year budget, particularly those linked to rehabilitation works and office equipment for the Lagos Liaison Office.
According to the Ministry, the 2026 Budget was officially published on its website on January 31, 2026, in line with the administration’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and public access to fiscal documents.
The Ministry clarified that on Page 60 of the approved budget document, the correct and intended allocations are clearly stated. A total sum of ₦210,831,142.00 was provided for the rehabilitation and repair of the residential building and staff quarters of the Lagos Liaison Office, while ₦12,000,000.00 was allocated for the procurement of one Sharp copier and other sundry office equipment for the same office.
However, the Ministry acknowledged that a technical error occurred during the final compilation of the extensive budget document. On Page 289, a formatting misalignment led to a reversal of descriptions and figures, creating the false impression that an inflated amount was earmarked for the procurement of a copier. The Ministry stressed that this was purely a clerical and presentational error, noting that the affected agency has since been formally notified and corrective steps initiated.
It further explained that the ₦250,000,000.00 figure that appeared beside the copier item on Page 289 does not relate to the procurement of office equipment. Rather, the amount belongs to a different and significantly larger capital project elsewhere in the budget, which was mistakenly displaced due to the formatting issue. The actual budgetary provision for the copier and other office equipment remains ₦12,000,000.00, as accurately reflected on Page 60 of the document.
The Ministry categorically dismissed claims of cost inflation, emphasizing that there has been no attempt to exaggerate or manipulate figures related to the Lagos Liaison Office. It reiterated that the error was strictly technical and not financial.
Beyond the clarification, the Ministry used the opportunity to educate the public on the nature of the budgeting and procurement process in Abia State. It explained that the published budget represents estimates and planned intentions, serving as an authorization framework that sets spending limits rather than an automatic trigger for fund disbursement.
The Ministry noted that no procurement can be executed solely on the basis of a budgetary provision. All procurements must, by law, undergo multiple layers of scrutiny and approval. These include evaluation by the Departmental Tenders Board, further assessment by the Ministerial Tenders Board, and final approval alongside due process certification by the Finance and General Purpose Committee and the State Executive Council.
These safeguards, the Ministry stated, are deliberately designed to ensure fiscal discipline, value for money, and the transparent use of public funds. Any procurement that fails to justify its cost or does not comply with established due process requirements will not receive approval, irrespective of what is contained in the budget estimates.
While expressing regret over the confusion caused by the formatting error, the Ministry reassured the public of its unwavering commitment to transparency, prudent financial management, and accountability. It urged citizens to maintain confidence in the state’s financial control systems, reaffirming that the current administration welcomes public scrutiny as a core component of good governance.
The statement was issued by the Abia State Ministry of Budget and Planning.