The Lagos State government has urged citizens to participate in the 2025 budget preparation process, emphasising that their involvement is crucial to ensuring that the budget reflects their needs and priorities.
Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Mr. Ope George, stressed that citizen engagement is essential in the budget process, noting that many government programs stem from yearly consultation forums.
“We want Lagosians to know that it is their process; we want them to be involved,” he said. “You can register for physical attendance in various areas or log on online and participate by sending an email to budget@lagosstate.gov.ng to indicate your interest.”
George highlighted the importance of citizen participation, explaining that the budget preparation process involves planning three years ahead.
“We review our past performance and set expectations for the next two to three years, making it a continuous process,” he said.
Regarding the balance between infrastructural projects and citizens’ well-being, George emphasised that it is essential to push for big infrastructure projects while also focusing on social protection.
“We are going through our mid-year review, and we also conduct quarterly reviews. In terms of revenues, we are doing well, raising our revenues and completing projects,” he said.
The government is close to completing several projects, including the Opebi-Mende-Ojota link bridge, Ikeja urban regeneration program, and the Blue and Red Line rail projects.
Additionally, 15 locally built ferries have been launched, creating job opportunities, and the Ounje Eko (food bank) initiative has been successful. The government has also cleared all pension backlogs, ensuring that pensioners receive their entitlements.