Despite allocations running into hundreds of millions of naira for development projects in Ifako-Ijaiye Federal Constituency, Lagos State, many residents say they are yet to see tangible improvements in their communities.
According to data obtained from BudgIT’s Tracka platform, many major constituency projects worth over N450 million were listed for implementation in Ifako-Ijaiye in 2025, with some listed as ‘ongoing’ while others are marked ‘new’.
The projects include the “Supply of Empowerment Items” valued at N100 million, the “Supply and Installation of Solar Street Lights” also valued at N100 million, the “Supply of Rice” for constituents, equally budgeted at N100 million and the “Provision of Medical Outreach To Indigent Patients In Ifako-Ijaiye”, valued at N150 million.
BudgIT’s database indicates that two of the projects — the “Supply of Empowerment Items in Ifako-Ijaiye Federal Constituency” and “Provision of Medical Outreach To Indigent Patients In Ifako-Ijaiye” —are currently listed as “ongoing.”
However, visits to several communities within the constituency revealed a different reality, as residents lamented that they have not benefited from any empowerment programmes, rice distribution, or solar street light installations.
“We have not received anything from government representatives,” said Mrs. Tinuola Adebayo, a trader at Iju-Ishaga Market. “They always say money has been released, but we don’t see the results in our area.”
Another resident, Mr. Yusuf Akinbode, who lives in Ojokoro, said the community still experiences total darkness at night.
“If there are solar lights somewhere, we have not seen them. Maybe they installed them elsewhere, but not here,” he said.
Public accountability advocates have expressed concern over the apparent disconnect between project records and actual implementation. They emphasised the need for transparency and closer monitoring of constituency projects across Nigeria.
“Constituency projects are meant to bridge the gap between government and citizens,” said a civic engagement officer. “Communities should not be in the dark about projects funded with taxpayers’ money.”
Our reporter reached out to Hon. Benjamin Olabinjo, member of the House of Representatives representing the Ifako-Ijaiye Federal Constituency, for clarity on the projects.
However, one of his aides, Mr. Yekini, failed to issue any official statement on the status of the projects as of press time. Although he responded to media enquiries, he declined to address specific questions regarding the projects, instead questioning the source of the data. His response was surprising, as information on projects marked as “ongoing” in the Ifako-Ijaiye Federal Constituency should ordinarily be familiar to the lawmaker’s office.
Civil society groups have since called on the Budget Office of the Federation, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and other oversight bodies to probe the utilisation of the over ₦450 million allocation and ensure that the projects are executed as planned.
