Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has stated that the 2024 Appropriation Bill of N2.24tn mirrors the magnitude of the state.
He made this statement during his visit to the ongoing three-day budget retreat for Lagos lawmakers and legislative workers in Abuja.
The retreat, organised by the state House of Assembly, is themed 'Sustainability of ongoing reforms in Lagos State: Prospects, opportunities and challenges'.
In a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Gboyega Akosile, the governor commended the lawmakers for their dedication to their duties. On Wednesday, the governor presented the 'Budget of Renewed Hope' of N2.24tn to the Assembly, which includes N1.84tn revenue and deficit financing of N398.28bn.
The governor was quoted in the statement as saying, "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. This is an avenue for you to bond, interact, appreciate one another and effectively do the job that the people of Lagos have asked us to do. There is the talk around town that we have a big budget but I also tell them it is because we are big people in the state."
Sanwo-Olu expressed his appreciation for the significant responsibility the lawmakers carry and prayed for them to have the ability and courage to perform their duties impartially. He assured them that whatever the outcome, he would stand by it and work with them.
The governor also stated that there was no animosity between him and the speaker, Mudashiru Obasa. He described them as brothers and friends who would continue to work together to advance the state.
He added that President Bola Tinubu was observing their actions because Lagos is the only state he can call his own. "Our success is his success and Nigeria’s success," he added.
Meanwhile, the Speaker pledged a speedy passage of the 2024 budget before January 1. In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Eromosele Ebhomele, in Lagos on Saturday, Obasa made this pledge. He said, "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."
He praised the governor for consistently supporting the Assembly in executing its legislative functions and thanked him for fostering a harmonious relationship between the executive and the legislature in the state.
He added, "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."