Ambode Targets Zero Percent Dependence on Federal Allocation by 2019

…Puts half-year budget performance at 73%

By Gboyega Akinsanmi

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwumi Ambode, on Tuesday reeled out his administration’s strategic plan which, he said, plunged the state’s dependence on federal allocation to zero percent in three years.

The governor also disclosed that the state recorded 73 percent budget performance for the half-year despite the challenging economic environment.

He unveiled the strategic plan at a quarterly townhall meeting held in Badagry, noting that the state hoped to fully take full advantage of its tourism potentials to boost internally generated revenue (IGR).

The townhall was attended by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Oluranti Adebule, Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Olatunji Bello, Senator representing Lagos West senatorial district, Sen. Olamilekan Adeola, traditional rulers and all members of the State Executive Council among others.

At the townhall meeting, Ambode disclosed that the state government under his leadership would reduce the state’s dependence on federal allocation to 10 percent or even zero level in three years.

He, specifically, pointed out the plan of the state government “to develop the state’s tourism potentials to reduce our dependence on federal allocation. The future of Lagos is about service and tourism.

“We have a greater plan for Badagry. We have already implementing the plan with construction works going on in different parts of Badagry. Our plan is to make Badagry Nigeria’s hub of tourism,” the governor explained.

Further details later