Our budgets are people-oriented – Lagos commissioner

Lagos State commissioner for economic planning and budget, Akinyemi Ashade, says the current administration remains committed to implementing people-oriented budget in the belief that government exists for the good of the citizenry.

Ashade stated this at a forum in Epe, organised by his ministry, to get the inputs of constituents from the Lagos East Senatorial District ahead of the 2017 budget. The annual stakeholders’ forum gives opportunity to the citizens across sectors of the economy, to scrutinise the implementation of current budget and state their expectations from the next budget. 

The commissioner said while the performance of the 2016 budget of N662.588 billion had so far been impressive, the remaining months of the year would see the government focus more on the rehabilitation of schools and hospitals, sustain the light up Lagos initiative, further improve on the urban mass transit system including the ongoing blue line rail to ease transportation within the state metropolis.

According to Ashade, “Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has chosen the policy of running a ‘people budget’ to ensure Lagos works for all no matter the age, gender, tribe or status.”

Abayomi Kadri, permanent secretary in the ministry, also speaking, said the forum was one of the ways the state government “opens up itself for accountability and transparency in budget planning, processing and implementation,” which informed the invitation of the traditional institution, market men/women, tradesmen, civil society groups and professional bodies.

Kabiru Adewale, a traditional ruler in Ikorodu, commended the initiative and praised the government for the various projects being executed by the Ambode’s administration.

He particularly lauded planned construction of the much awaited fourth Mainland Bridge, saying it would bring economic value to the various communities along its alignment as well as aid traffic flow across Lagos.

Olayinka Kassim, a youth leader in Epe, however, called on the government to pay more attention to agriculture, tourism and infrastructural development, but lamented the inadequacy of public schools in Epe. “There is only one female secondary school in Epe, there is need to increase this as lands are available for such development,” he said.