Lagos State Government yesterday reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability, and citizen participation in budget planning as it convened the Y2026 Budget Consultative Forum for the Ikorodu Division.
The event, held at the Ikorodu Town Hall, was hosted by the Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget.
Mr Olalekan Balogun, Special Adviser to Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Economic Planning and Budget, hosted the forum.
Balogun was represented by Mrs Olayinka Ojo, a Permanent Secretary in the ministry of economic planning and budget.
He said the forum now in its seventh edition under Sanwo-Olu administration, was designed to ensure that the voices of residents across the five divisions of Lagos were reflected in the state’s annual budget.
Balogun described the consultative process as a hallmark of transparency, accountability, inclusion, and collective ownership, noting that it had helped sustain public trust and promote participatory governance in Lagos.
According to him, the proposed “Budget of Sustainability” builds on past achievements and supports the THEMES Plus Policy Agenda, with a focus on improved access to healthcare, quality education, enhanced social protection, and youth job creation.
He said the budget would also prioritise the completion and expansion of critical infrastructure, including roads, potable water, housing, efficient transport systems, and urban renewal aimed at enhancing the state’s overall liveability.
“Our philosophy has always been that democracy draws its true essence from the active participation of citizens.
“This deliberate inclusivity ensures that projects delivered reflect the real needs and aspirations of Lagos residents”, he said.
Balogun added that the forum also provided an avenue to update stakeholders on the performance of the current year’s budget and clarify resources available for the 2026 fiscal year.
“This paves the way for the integration of citizen-driven projects into the budget framework”.
He urged residents to continue fulfilling their civic responsibilities through regular tax payment to enable the government to provide essential infrastructure and services that improve quality of life.
The special adviser called on each division to present initiatives and projects that would enhance socio-economic wellbeing, stimulate wealth creation and drive sustainable development across the State.
In his remarks, the traditional ruler of Ikorodu, Oba Kabiru Shotobi ,Ayangbure of Ikorodu, expressed gratitude to Sanwo-Olu for providing a platform for dialogue, allowing Ikorodu Division to be considered in the 2026 budget.
Oba Shotobi passionately appealed to the Lagos State Government to complete the second phase of the Gberigbe Road leading to Agura, to ease the hardship faced by residents especially in light of the rising population and increased migration into Ikorodu.
Also speaking, the traditional ruler of Imota, Oba Mudashiru Agoro ,The Ranodu of Imota, appealed for the relocation and activation of the Mile 12 Market project, noting that the newly constructed facility has been abandoned and was at risk of collapse.
The Oba also urged the state government to construct a standard hospital in Imota and equip existing health facilities with adequate medical supplies and drugs.
Earlier, Princess Busola Isikalu, the Iyaloja-General of Ikorodu,Head of women traders, called on the state government to build more markets to alleviate the suffering of traders.
She noted that limited market space in the division had forced many traders into street trading.
She further appealed for the construction of proper drainage systems in existing markets to curb flooding.
She also urged the government to prioritise empowerment programmes for market men and women to promote financial independence.
“We are also calling government to caution environmental officers seizing erring traders properties”, she said.
Speaking at the forum, Dr Nurudeen Agbaje, Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Rural Development, said the forum had amplified the constituency’s requests, and Governor Sanwo-Olu remains committed to doing even more for Ikorodu.
