The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, has urged lawmakers to ensure that the 2026 Appropriation Bill truly reflects the needs and priorities of Lagos residents, emphasizing that public office is meaningful only when it delivers real impact.
Obasa made the call on Wednesday while delivering his welcome address at the Assembly’s three-day retreat on the 2026 Budget and Related Matters. The retreat aims to deepen lawmakers’ understanding of the state’s fiscal direction and strengthen legislative oversight.
He noted that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had presented a budget anchored on shared prosperity, while Dr. Muda Yusuf, Founder and CEO of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE), provided additional insights during his presentation.
The Speaker stressed that the responsibility now rests with the Assembly to “add value” by ensuring the budget addresses real challenges and aligns with citizens’ aspirations.
“The budget must reflect the people’s priorities. We are here to identify the problems and ensure solutions are properly funded,” he said.
Obasa also reminded legislators of the need to remain connected to their constituencies, saying, “No matter how long you stay in office, you are still going back to the people. Give them a sense of belonging.”
He encouraged committee chairmen and members to thoroughly study their budget allocations, ask critical questions, and understand that budgeting is largely a projection that must be backed by accountability and performance.
Highlighting some achievements recorded in his constituency, Agege 01, Obasa urged lawmakers to lay a solid foundation for future officeholders.
The three-day retreat, titled “Understanding the 2026 Appropriation Strategy: Insights from 2025 Budget Performance and Implementation Gaps,” covers several key topics, including Nigeria’s new tax regime and the legislature’s role; fiscal and economic implications of the Nigerian Tax Acts on Lagos State; state debt sustainability, including bonds, ISPOs, and interest costs; and an overview of the 2026–2028 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF).
A syndicate session will also enable lawmakers to review the 2026–2028 MTEF documents and raise critical issues for deliberation.
The programme is expected to equip legislators and senior Assembly staff with deeper fiscal insight and strengthen their role in ensuring a transparent, inclusive, and impactful budget for Lagos State.
