As part of efforts towards ensuring inclusiveness and even dividends of democracy among all residents, the Lagos State government has commenced a consultative forum on the creation of its Y2022 appropriation bill across the five divisions of the State to engage different stakeholders on the incoming year's budget.
Speaking at the event, which commenced in Ikeja division, the Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Mr. Sam Egube, explained that the government needs the input of the citizens for the preparation of the Y2022 budget to ensure inclusiveness, transparency and accelerated development of all parts of Lagos.
Egube said, “With this forum, we have commenced the budget cycle for 2022 and we need to align ourselves with the people to be sure that their needs are catered for. We are organising this forum around the IBILE divisions. What we will do will include updating stakeholders on the half-year performance of the 2021 budget; inform the public of the government’s plan for the rest of the year 2021 and focus on areas for 2022; obtain inputs, contributions and suggestions from stakeholders on the 2022 budget process as part of the effort to promote citizen participation in the budget preparation”.
“We are paying a lot of attention to youth development, technology, infrastructure, basically to build up economic activity and to get hope back to our people. That was why the budget of 2021 was called “Budget of Rekindled Hope”, the Commissioner said.
In his remarks, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Budget, Aare Bayo Sodade said the administration of Governor Sanwo-Olu has always prioritised inclusive governance for proper decision making to enhance economic deliverables and performance.
He said, “In fulfilment of the promise of an ‘All-inclusive Government’ by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu at the inception of his administration, the State has always adhered to proper consultation and due diligence, especially in decision-making processes”.
“This forum affords an avenue to update stakeholders on the half-year performance of the budget, the resources available for the annual budget taking into cognisance all economic variables such as the price of oil, inflation, interest rates, effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the economy and much more. Most importantly, this forum provides us with an ample opportunity to share ideas geared towards a 'Greater Lagos'.
“Our expectation of this forum is the significant participation in the budget preparation process by every organisation, bodies and persons here present", he said.
The Consultative forum organised by the Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget attracted dignitaries including traditional, community and religious leaders, professionals, trade groups, NGOs, youth organisations, People Living with Disability and the organised private sector.
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