Lagos begins consultations on 2026 budget

The Lagos State Government has commenced consultations on the 2026 budget with a call for residents’ active participation in shaping the fiscal priorities of the state.
Speaking at the opening session of the Budget Consultative Forum for the Ikeja Division held at the Multipurpose Hall of Radio Lagos, Agidingbi, the Commissioner, Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget, Ope George, said the exercise was designed to give citizens a voice in the budget process while also providing updates on the performance of the 2025 budget.
“This is the first of our visits into the divisions of the state. We are here to hear from our people what they want to see in the 2026 budget. It also gives us an opportunity to report back on what they requested in 2025 and to give a scorecard of what has been achieved,” he said.
George disclosed that the state had attained over 80 per cent budget performance so far in 2025, both in revenue generation and expenditure.
According to him, Lagos is optimistic about meeting its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) target for the year.
“We are building on the gains of 2025. Our IGR is growing and as of August–September, we have hit about 80 per cent of our target. Last year, we met our IGR target and we are confident that 2025 will follow the same path,” he added.
The Permanent Secretary noted that the state was investing heavily in infrastructure, but also prioritising social protection, healthcare, education, and agriculture.
He said the state’s agribusiness initiative, Lagos Produce, would be expanded to ensure food security.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, raised concerns over the rising rate of drug abuse among young people in Lagos.
Describing the menace as a “pandemic,” Ogunlende said the ministry had established a special department under the Lagos State Kicks Against Drug Abuse (LASCADA) programme to tackle the crisis.
“At the moment, our rehabilitation centres are full. Drug abuse is something we see on our streets and in our homes. At least 35 per cent of our youths are dependent on substances,” he stated.
He noted that the state was working with the NDLEA, private institutions, and civil society groups to provide advocacy, rehabilitation, and rescue services, while urging communities to take ownership of the fight against drug abuse.
The Budget Consultative Forum, which runs from September 9–16, 2025, will be held across the state’s divisions, with participation from traditional rulers, professional bodies, civil society organisations, trade groups, persons with disabilities and youths.