Mudashiru Obasa, the Speaker of the Lagos Assembly, has committed to expediting the approval of the 2024 budget, termed “Renewed Hope,” which amounts to N2.246 trillion, aiming to have it passed before the start of the new year.
This commitment was communicated through a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Eromosele Ebhomele, in Lagos on Saturday. The Speaker’s pledge was made public during Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s visit to the ongoing three-day budget retreat for Lagos lawmakers and legislative staff in Abuja. The retreat is themed “Sustainability of Ongoing Reforms in Lagos State: Prospects, Opportunities, and Challenges.”
On Wednesday, Sanwo-Olu presented the Lagos State 2024 Budget of Renewed Hope, amounting to N2.246 trillion, to the State House of Assembly. The budget includes a total revenue of N1.848 trillion and deficit financing of N398.28 billion.
Obasa emphasized that the retreat’s purpose was to ensure the budget’s passage before January 1, 2024. He stated, “We are working on the 2024 budget and that is why we are here. I want to assure you that we will do our best to return the approved budget to you as soon as possible. It is going to be a New Year present to you and the people of Lagos.”
Obasa praised Governor Sanwo-Olu as a leader, brother, and performer, acknowledging his consistent support for the assembly in executing its legislative duties. He expressed gratitude for the harmonious relationship between the executive and legislative branches in the state, stating, “We also thank you for not being like other governors who seal up the assembly complex or who remove roofs of assembly buildings. That is why Lagos is great and the Lagos assembly is above the common standards of excellence.”
In his address to the lawmakers, Sanwo-Olu lauded them as the best among their peers in other state assemblies. He commended the lawmakers for setting a high standard of legislative excellence in the country. He said, “this is the best and finest and it is worthy of emulation. I want to thank you and say this is, indeed, how we should always organise ourselves and keep raising the bar.”
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Sanwo-Olu expressed his gratitude to the speaker, members, the assembly commission, and staff of the house for always prioritizing Lagos. He stated, “You see, what Lagos state is doing shows that we are leading the way for other states to copy. We show the way in legislative, executive and judiciary affairs.”
The governor acknowledged the talk about the size of the budget but justified it by saying, “it is because we are big people in the state.” He recognized the lawmakers’ significant responsibility and prayed for their ability and courage to passionately execute their duties. He assured them of his support, saying, “Whatever the outcome is, you can be rest assured that the governor will stand by it and work with you.”
Sanwo-Olu dismissed any notion of animosity between himself and the speaker, describing their relationship as two sides of the same coin. He expressed his belief that they were brothers and friends and that they would be guided to a level where they could elevate Lagos to an irreversible state.
Sanwo-Olu mentioned that President Bola Tinubu was observing their actions because Lagos was his home state. He said, “Though he is the President of Nigeria but he has his roots in Lagos. Our success is his success and Nigeria’s success.” He expressed his belief that if they succeeded, the entire nation would follow suit.