LAGOS’ RESCUE PLAN

Lagos State government is committed to the welfare of the people, argues Adeoba Oloruntobi

The Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, started the year 2024 with a determination and plans to make the year a great one. Buoyed by the impressive achievements of his government in over four years, and also his passion to see that an average Lagosian gets the necessary support, particularly during this period of economic challenges, the governor signed the 2024 Appropriation Bill into law. The N2.2 trillion budget for the 2024 fiscal year is tagged, ‘Budget of Renewal’.

It will be recalled that the governor had presented the budget to the State House of Assembly on December 13, 2023, accompanied into the hallowed chamber by members of Lagos State Executive Council and some of his personal aides, including notable chieftains of the ruling party.

On the budget, Governor Sanwo-Olu said, “I have assented to the Appropriation Bill as approved by the legislature. For the purpose of clarity, the approved budget size is N2.267 trillion comprising N1.315 trillion for capital expenditure and N952.430 billion for recurrent expenditure (58:42).

“The approved budget size is N21.743billion higher than what was presented to the House of Assembly due to additional provisions to enforce completion of ongoing projects. Further details of the appropriation law will be provided by the Hon. Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget”.

He expressed optimism that given the provisions of the budget, and his determination to implement the budget to the letter  in line with his THEMES+ development agenda, the people will have reasons to rejoice by the end of the 2024 fiscal year.

Few days after signing the appropriation bill into law, the governor also showed empathy with the larger populace who are facing the pangs of tough economic times as a result of the removal of fuel subsidy. In addition to pay rise for government workers, 50 percent reduction in fares on government-controlled transportation schemes, including Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) buses, LagFerry for commuters plying the waterways across the State, the governor also declared free ante-natal and delivery in Lagos.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, has directed general hospitals in the state to offer free ante-natal services and delivery as well as normal and C-section services for clients. The new directive had raised hope that this development could provide succor to many families who are currently facing hardship due to the recent increase in the price of petrol in the country.

This comes as the economic hardship on Nigerians generally including Lagosians continued to impact the populace negatively. Apart from the high cost of petrol, the depreciating Naira value has similarly had a spiralling effect on the cost of imported products and most especially the cost of medications and healthcare which have now become exorbitant for the majority of the less privileged Nigerians.

Consequently, the cost of food and other essentials have also been skyrocketing, thereby resulting in hunger in the land. Therefore, as a compassionate and responsive leader, the free delivery services is however expected to provide succour to Lagosians.

Recall that in August, last year, the Lagos State General Hospitals and Primary Health Centres provided free antenatal care and child delivery services to pregnant women resident in Lagos State. This was part of the rolled out relief measures announced by the state government to cushion the hardship being faced by residents as a result of fuel subsidy removal by the federal government. Sanwo-Olu at the state’s Security Council meeting on July 31, 2023, had directed General Hospitals and Primary Health Care Centres to offer free antenatal care and child delivery services; normal and Caesarean section, to expectant mothers as part of relief measures to ease burden of the fuel subsidy removal on Lagosians.

In prioritising public health and environmental sustainability, the government of Mr Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu banned the use of styrofoam and other single use plastics all over the state. The bold policy step was to stem the tide of environmental menace and health risks that these items present. Despite protest from merchants of the banned products, Lagos residents, including  the Environmental Health Officers Association of Nigeria (EHOAN) Lagos State chapter have commended the state government for banning styrofoam.  President of the EHOAN, Dr Akinyele Cyril, gave the commendation in a statement issued and made newsmen.

In running an inclusive government, feedback and engagements with stakeholders across a broad spectrum are essentials. This necessitated the first edition of the Lagos West Senatorial District Town Hall Meeting in 2024, organised by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. 

The governor reeled out the scorecard of the achievements recorded by his administration through the T.H.E.M.E.S+ Development Agenda. Infrastructure, healthcare, and security. He however assured that the year 2024 will be much better than the previous year in all ramifications.

The governor said, “We have not rested on our oars since you, the good people of Lagos State, gave us the mandate to oversee the affairs of the state for another four years. I often like to describe this second term as our season of doubling. We want to move twice as fast as we did in the first term, and accomplish twice as much. Of course, our T.H.E.M.E.S+ development agenda will continue to guide and propel all that we do for the progress and development of Lagos State.”

“As a government, our commitment to the well-being of citizens and growth of our state is resolute and unwavering. We remain dedicated to the successful implementation of pivotal projects”.

The governor hinted that while the Lagos West Senatorial District led the way, other senatorial districts will also take their turns to engage the people and give account of stewardship, adding that it gives room to render accounts to the people.

Governor Sanwo-Olu has indeed demonstrated that his government is ready to take Lagos to higher heights in the year 2024.

 Oloruntobi writes from Lagos