By Olanrewaju Adesanya
Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Economic Planning and Budget Chairman, Hon. Lukmon Olumoh, has affirmed thorough compliance is demanded from Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in the state budgetary provisions.
Olumoh made the assertion on Wednesday in continuation of the House review of the last quarter of the 2024 budget and the first quarter of the 2025 budget which started on Monday.
In a chat with newsmen at the Assembly Complex, Olumoh who represents Ajeromi-Ifelodun 1 along with his committee members, said that the budget review is a routine of the House to ensure that the MDAs obey the provisions in the Appropriation Laws of the state.
“Sometimes last month, the House decided that the committee should do a review of the Appropriation Law, which is supposed to be done on a quarterly basis.
“So, the exercise is for the last quarter of year 2024 and the first quarter of year.2025. The essence is to ensure that the MDAs comply with the appropriation law of the state for 2024 and 2025.
“You have seen the kind of critical questions we are asking the MDAs on their capital expenditure and recurrent expenditure. It is important for our own oversight purposes and to ensure that the people of Lagos State get value for money.
“That was why the House, under the leadership of the Speaker, Rt. Hon Mudashiru Obasa approved that the exercise should take place,” Olumoh said.
On the forthcoming local governments elections in the state, the lawmaker stated that the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) is fully prepared for the local government elections slated for July 12, 2025.
Olumoh said that LASIEC was asked about how far they have gone in accessing the funds for the year, saying that they have accessed over 80% of the fund for the commission.
“So we know that they are prepared for the election and we know that they are prepared to give Lagosians the best in the July elections.
“The 2024 budget of the state was over N2 Trillion and this year, we are doing N3.346 Trillion. Lagos State has the potentials to do over N10 Trillion, but it’s a gradual process, we will get there.
“Last year, we scored over 90% for both recurrent and capital expenditures. The evidences are there for you to see.
“There is no part of Lagos State that you won’t see the government doing one thing or the other. You have the physical infrastructure wearing new looks.
“Go to Maryland, see the Odo Iya Alaro Bridge, go to Mile 2 to Okokomaiko, the Blue Line rail is ongoing and so many other sectors. Go to the health, education sectors and others, so many things are going on there,” he said.
He said the lawmakers have taken it upon themselves to oversight the agencies as it is their constitutional responsibility, saying that the oversight had helped the Lagos State Government to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people.
Speaking on sanctions for defaulters, Olumoh said: “For any erring agency, there is financial regulation law and there are always sanctions for defaulters.
“We read the reports on the floor of the House and any agency that is found culpable, may be the head of the agency or the officers that is responsible, will face the consequences in line with the financial regulations of the state.”
