The Lagos State Government has announced the start of its Stakeholders’ Consultative Forum for the 2026 budget, inviting residents from across the state to contribute ideas that will guide its development priorities for the coming year.
This was made known in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget, Mrs. Olayinka Ojo, on Friday. According to her, the forum is part of the state government’s drive for inclusive and participatory governance, where citizens play an active role in the decision-making process.
Mrs. Ojo explained that the forum aims to gather views from a wide range of stakeholders including Community Development Associations (CDAs), Traditional Rulers, Professional Bodies, Religious Groups, Civil Society Organisations, NGOs, Trade Unions, Youth Groups, People Living with Disabilities, and the general public.
“This inclusive approach reflects the State Government’s commitment to participatory governance and evidence-based planning,” she said.
She added that the sessions will be held across the five traditional divisions of Lagos State to ensure every region is carried along.
The schedule is as follows:
Ikeja Division – Tuesday, 9th September 2025
Venue: Multipurpose Hall, Radio Lagos, Agidingbi
Lagos Division – Wednesday, 10th September 2025
Venue: Eko Club, Surulere
Ikorodu Division – Thursday, 11th September 2025
Venue: Ikorodu Town Hall
Epe Division – Friday, 12th September 2025
Venue: Jubilee Chalet, Epe
Badagry Division – Tuesday, 16th September 2025
Venue: Makanjuola Auditorium, Lagos State University, Ojo
All sessions are scheduled to begin by 10:00 a.m. daily.
To expand participation beyond physical attendance, Mrs. Ojo noted that virtual participation is also available, urging interested Lagosians to send an email indicating their division to: [email protected]
Also speaking on the upcoming consultative sessions, the Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Mr. Ope George, described the forum as a critical part of the Lagos State budget process.
He said the forum is not just symbolic, but a practical way to ensure that the voices of everyday Lagosians influence how public funds are spent.
“This Stakeholders’ Forum is a cornerstone of our budgetary process. It ensures that the people’s voices remain at the centre of governance,” George said.
He encouraged all residents, especially community leaders, business owners, and youth representatives, to make time to attend the forums or participate virtually.
“We must all contribute to the vision of building a 21st-century economy and achieving a Greater Lagos for all. Every opinion matters in shaping our shared future,” he added.
The Lagos State Government has, in recent years, built a reputation for involving residents in governance through forums like this. The annual Stakeholders’ Forum is a key part of the state’s citizen engagement strategy, ensuring that budget planning reflects the real needs and priorities of the people.
With Lagos being Nigeria’s commercial capital and Africa’s fastest-growing megacity, proper budget planning is essential for addressing challenges like infrastructure, housing, education, healthcare, transportation, and youth empowerment.
Last year, thousands of Lagosians participated either in-person or online, with many of their suggestions reflected in the 2025 budget.
