UPDATED: LAGOS BEGINS 2026 BUDGET CONSULTATIVE FORUM IN IKEJA, PLEDGES INCLUSIVITY, FISCAL GROWTH (PHOTOS)

By: Sefiu Ajape, Shodayo Sunmisola

The Lagos State Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget has commenced the 2026 Budget Consultative Forum with the Ikeja Division, reaffirming its commitment to citizen participation, fiscal growth, infrastructure development, and social protection.

The forum, which was held on Tuesday at the Multipurpose Hall of Radio Lagos, Agidingbi, is an annual platform where government officials engage citizens, residents, and stakeholders.

According to the ministry, the consultation give rooms for deliberations on developmental needs, review the status of ongoing projects, and provide updates on the implementation of the current year’s budget.

Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Mr. Ope George, highlighted the participatory nature of the budget process.

“Every year we go around all the Ibile divisions to meet our people, to hear from them, to understand what it is they want in their budget. This 2026 budget process has started, and this is the first in our visits into Ikeja Division,” he said.

According to him, the forum not only allows citizens to make new submissions but also provides an opportunity to present a scorecard of the 2025 budget.

He disclosed that the state had achieved over 80 percent budget performance and was optimistic about meeting its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) targets for 2025.

“We’ve invested heavily in infrastructure development as a state, which will continue, but we have also paid attention to social protection to ensure that we look after our people,” George added.

He cited ongoing projects including the near-completion of the Opebi Link Bridge, progress on the Lagos-Badagry BRT lane, and the Blue and Red Line rail projects.

Earlier in her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget, Mrs. Olayinka Ojo, said the forum underscores the administration’s drive for inclusivity.

“No one must be left behind, this administration remains committed to ensuring that every Lagosian regardless of age, gender or social status is carried along and catered for in the state provision,” she stated.

She explained that the forum provides an avenue to update stakeholders on the performance of the current year’s budget and integrate citizen-driven projects into the 2026 framework.

While urging residents to fulfil their civic responsibility through regular tax payment, she emphasized that collaborative efforts remain central to the success of the state’s policies.

Mrs. Ojo also drew lessons from Nasarawa State’s social register model, where clusters of women used a monthly ₦5,000 support initiative to mobilize group contributions, scaling it into investments of ₦100,000 for small businesses.

She encouraged Lagosians to adopt a similar sense of commitment to maximize government provisions.

Addressing youth-related concerns, Mr. Mobolaji Ogunlende, Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, described drug abuse as a pandemic that must be confronted collectively.

“As a ministry, we recently launched a program called LASKADA, which is Lagos State Kicks Against Drug Abuse. And outside launching it, we have actually made it a standalone department because we recognize how enormous this pandemic is facing us,” he explained.

He noted that rehabilitation centers in Lagos are already filled to capacity, stressing that the fight against drug abuse requires collaboration between government, civil society, and communities.

“We say the youth are 60% of the population of Lagos. And if the youth are 60%, I can tell you very freely that at least 35% are into drugs,” Ogunlende warned.

The Commissioner called on Lagosians to use available hotlines and social media channels to report cases and support rehabilitation efforts, emphasizing that the problem cannot be left to government alone.

Delivering the vote of thanks, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Economic Planning and Budget, Mr Olalekan Balogun, said over the years, the active participation of stakeholders and residents in this process has continued to provide valuable insights that shape the state’s developmental agenda, setting clear pathways for sustainable economic growth, and strengthen the collective resolve to build a Lagos that works for all.

“Your contribution also reinforces the All-Inclusive Agenda of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration, guided by the principle that No One Must Be Left Behind, irrespective of age, gender, or social standing.

“We deeply appreciate the presence of our Traditional Rulers, Community and Religious Leaders, the Organised Private Sector, Professionals, Youth Organisations, Trade Groups, NGOs, Civil Society, Persons Living with Disabilities, amongst others. Your participation embodies the inclusivity that defines this forum and reminds us that governance is truly a joint effort, Ajumose.

“We are confident that the outcome of today’s deliberations will once again make a significant impact on the budget preparation process, ensuring that the interests and aspirations of Lagosians are not only captured but also prioritised and implemented. The State Government remains resolute in translating these inputs into meaningful results, better roads, reliable water projects, quality healthcare and education, decent housing, efficient transport, jobs and valuable initiatives for our youth, and a safer, more liveable city for all,” Balogun stated.

Participants at the forum mentioned projects and programmes that they want the state government to include in the 2026 budget.

The forum will continue across the remaining four divisions of the state, with government officials reiterating that citizens’ input will shape the 2026 fiscal framework towards sustainable development, wealth creation, and an inclusive Lagos.

Other attendees at the event include representatives of residents, traditional rulers, professional bodies, civil society groups, non-governmental organisations, trade associations, youths, and persons living with disabilities, among others.

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