On Tuesday, the Lagos State Government held a stakeholders’ consultative forum to gather residents’ input for the 2025 budget, aiming to ensure it meets their needs.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by Mr. Ope George, the Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, attended the forum at Eagle’s Club, Surulere. The forum also provided an update on the state’s 2024 budget performance for the first half of the year.
Commissioner George emphasized the importance of citizen participation in the budget preparation process. “The aim of this forum is to promote citizens’ participation in preparing the next budget. The exercise will showcase the government’s plans for the citizens and gather information from stakeholders ahead of the 2025 appropriation,” he said.
Highlighting Lagos as a pacesetter among African cities due to its rapid economic growth, urbanization, and cultural diversity, George noted the city’s status as a global economic and financial hub and Africa’s leading startup ecosystem. “In 2024, Lagos advanced 12 spots in the Global Ecosystem Index, reflecting significant growth and innovation with over 500 startups, constituting over 73 percent of Nigeria’s total. Lagos dominates the nation’s startup landscape and ranks first in Africa for the consumer goods industry,” he stated.
The state government allocated 23 percent of its 2024 budget to economic affairs, focusing on infrastructure renewal and development to modernize the city and support its growing population. Several initiatives have been launched to improve living standards, infrastructure, food security, ease of doing business, public transportation, and energy supply. The government is also committed to social inclusion, gender equality, youth development, and providing world-class education, healthcare, and social services.
Mr. Lekan Balogun, Special Adviser to the Governor on Economic Planning and Budget, highlighted the forum’s role in enhancing transparency, accountability, inclusion, effectiveness, and acceptability of the budget. “As a government, our commitment to the well-being of citizens and residents of Lagos, as well as the growth of our state, is resolute and unwavering. Above all, we shall continue to ensure that Lagos State remains a beacon of cultural vibrancy, intellectual prowess, and humanistic values,” he said.
Community leaders also voiced their concerns and suggestions. Mr. Ayodele Oyekan, the ‘Bajulaye’ of Lagos, thanked the government for its development efforts and urged for intensified road project implementation and the provision of public water. Mrs. Oluwafunmilayo Martins, Market Leader (Iyaloja) in Amuwo Odofin, called for a reduction in taxes and levies, citing their contribution to the high cost of food items. Mr. Ibraheem Adigun, Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Lagos Chapter, praised the government’s developmental efforts and requested the establishment of rehabilitation centers for drug users and IT centers to engage youth.
