Lagos Records 80% Performance On N3.366trn 2025 Budget, Says Trade Fair Demolition Not Targeted At Anyone
By BENJAMIN OMOIKE
LAGOS Nigeria – Lagos State has achieved an impressive 80 percent performance in the implementation of its N3.366 trillion 2025 budget, according to the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso.
Speaking over the weekend while reviewing the state’s budget performance and ongoing projects, Omotoso said the figure represents cumulative performance as of October, up from 79 percent recorded at the end of September. “As of September, it was about 79 percent, but it’s now over 80 percent. In terms of revenue, we are doing very well. Capital projects have also achieved around 80 percent performance,” he stated. The commissioner expressed satisfaction with the level of infrastructural development across the state, noting that every community has felt the positive impact of the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration. “There is no community that has not benefited from this administration. When we had the Community Day, the excitement and solidarity we witnessed reflected the people’s satisfaction,” Omotoso said. He explained that the government’s community development initiatives were being executed in partnership with local governments, particularly in road construction, school rehabilitation, and housing projects. “At one point, local governments were mandated to build a specific number of roads, while the state government matched their efforts. That collaboration has transformed communities. People now want to live in Badagry, Ikorodu, and Igbogbo. One of our best housing estates is in Igbogbo, and we have built over 15 jetties serving these communities. You can now travel from Ikorodu to Lagos Island in less than 30 minutes,” he added. Demolition at Trade Fair Complex Not Targeted — Omotoso Addressing concerns over the recent demolition exercise at the Trade Fair Complex, Omotoso dismissed claims that it was targeted at any group, describing such insinuations as unfounded and misleading. “It’s terrible and absurd for anyone to make such suggestions. Governor Sanwo-Olu has governed Lagos for nearly six years without any record of discrimination—whether by religion, ethnicity, or any other factor. Lagosians are one people,” he said.Omotoso clarified that the affected structures were illegal constructions without valid building permits, stressing that proper approval is mandatory under Lagos law and international best practices. “How can anyone build a house without a permit? It’s not done anywhere. Even though the land belongs to the federal government, the Supreme Court’s 2003 judgment in Attorney-General of Lagos State vs. Attorney-General of the Federation clearly affirms that only state governments have the authority to issue building permits,” he explained. He added that the government’s enforcement actions were guided strictly by law, emphasising that unregulated construction poses risks to public safety and urban planning. “You can’t just build skyscrapers without approval and turn the place into a slum. The law must be respected,” Omotoso maintained.
