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The Lagos State Government has commenced consultations with residents and other stakeholders across its five divisions as part of efforts to gather inputs for the preparation of the 2027 Appropriation Bill.
The engagement, organised by the Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget, is designed to ensure that the priorities and concerns of residents, particularly at the grassroots, are reflected in the state’s 2027 budget.
Speaking at the 2027 Budget Consultative Forum held at the Multipurpose Hall, Radio Lagos, Agidingbi, Ikeja, the Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Ope George, said the consultation was an opportunity for residents to identify priority areas and make direct inputs into the next fiscal plan of the state.
George said the government also used the forum to give an account of projects and programmes implemented in response to demands made by residents during previous budget consultations.
He explained that although the government could not accommodate all requests presented by residents, it had sustained the practice of returning to the communities annually to report on the level of implementation of previous demands and obtain fresh inputs for the succeeding budget.
According to him, the consultative process remains an important component of the state’s budgeting system, as it enables the government to align its spending priorities with the needs of the people.
In her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Olayinka Ojo, described the forum as an avenue for data gathering and feedback, stressing that it reinforced the government’s commitment to inclusive governance and grassroots participation.
Ojo said the engagement would strengthen citizens’ involvement in the 2027 budget cycle and enable residents to contribute meaningfully to policies and programmes aimed at achieving their aspirations for Lagos.
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The consultations attracted chairmen of local governments and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), traditional rulers, community leaders and other stakeholders.
Community leaders commended the initiative, with some claiming that between 70 and 85 per cent of requests made during previous consultations had been addressed by the government.
They said the consultations had strengthened citizens’ participation in governance and created a platform for communities to directly communicate their most pressing needs to the government.
The stakeholders, including community leader Adesegun Olatunde, however, urged the government to place greater emphasis on healthcare and environmental sanitation in the 2027 budget, particularly at the grassroots.
They argued that increased investment in primary healthcare and a cleaner environment would improve public health outcomes and enhance the quality of life of residents.
The stakeholders also called for sustained investment in environmental management, urging the government to consolidate its efforts to maintain Lagos’ environmental standards.
The state government is expected to continue the consultations across the five divisions as it gathers inputs from residents and other stakeholders ahead of the presentation and consideration of the 2027 Appropriation Bill.
