Ambode: Lagos saving N3bn monthly through my reforms

Akinwunmi Ambode, governor of Lagos state, on Tuesday said upon assumption of office, one of the tasks that  his administration performed was a reviewed of the expenditure of the state.

Ambode said the exercise resulted to the saving of nearly N3 billion every month, promising to be accountable for revenue generation and expenditure of the state.

He disclosed this when he gave account of his stewardship at the Abesan Mini Stadium in Ipaja area of the state during the first edition of the quarterly town hall meeting.

Ambode explained that the quarterly meeting was one of the platforms designed to bring government closer to the people.

He said meeting would be rotated around the three senatorial districts of the state.

“We embarked on a financial re-engineering and reviewed the revenue and expenditure framework of the state,” he said.

“These efforts, coupled with the realignment of ministries, departments and agencies have saved the government almost N3 billion every month.”

Ambode said the decision had provided his administration with more funds to inject into capital projects and the initial funds to establish the Employment Trust Fund he promised the youths.

He said that security in the state had been reviewed, and identified lapses were being addressed.

“We have established an Integrated Security and Emergency control platform, all of which are aimed at strengthening the security apparatus in the state,” he said.

He also spoke on education and health sectors, highlighting the achievements of his government in those areas.

On transportation, he said his administration would stop at nothing to find a lasting solution to gridlocks on the roads.

“In recent weeks, the menace of trucks on our roads has caused us untold hardships and loss of man hours and revenue,” he said.

“The Apapa traffic gridlock is the most worrisome. We are looking at long term solutions to traffic challenges that our people face daily.”

He added that the government had committed about N 1.4 billion to road construction and rehabilitation.

He said since the inception of his administration, 181 roads had been rehabilitated and maintained.

“We will pump more funds into road infrastructure in this present quarter. This administration is determined to ensure that all roads in Lagos state are in good condition and motorable,” he said.

Ambode sought the support and cooperation of residents to enable him deliver his electioneering campaign promises.

“I want to assure you that our programmes are well thought out and carefully designed to make life easier and better for all our citizens,” he said.

“While we do our best, I implore you to fulfil your side of the social contract by performing your civic responsibilities always. Please pay your taxes willingly.”