A BUDGET FOR EVERYONE

 Sanwo-Olu’s “shared prosperity” vision is shaping an inclusive Lagos, writes

ADEWALE SAMSON

In a state as complex, diverse and dynamic as Lagos, budgeting is never just about numbers. It is about priorities, values and, ultimately, people. This reality was unmistakably reinforced when Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu signed the 2026 Appropriation Bill, aptly tagged, the “Budget of Shared Prosperity” into law. Beyond its impressive size of approximately ₦4.4 trillion, the budget represents a governing philosophy anchored on inclusion, accountability and collective progress.

The signing of the budget, coming days after its thorough consideration and approval by the Lagos State House of Assembly, marks a defining moment for the Sanwo-Olu administration. As the governor himself noted, this is the final budget his administration will fully implement , a capstone document that reflects not only policy intentions, but the legacy he seeks to leave behind: a Lagos where growth is broad-based and prosperity is shared.

At the heart of the 2026 budget is a clear message: governance must work for everyone. Governor Sanwo-Olu expressed confidence that Lagosians would be the greatest beneficiaries of the fiscal plan, emphasising that implementation would be guided by transparency, prudence and accountability. In a polity where citizens are increasingly demanding value for public resources, this commitment is both timely and reassuring.

The budget’s journey from proposal to law also underscores a maturing democratic process in Lagos State. The governor commended the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, and members of the legislature for their diligence, stressing that effective governance thrives when the Executive and Legislature operate as partners rather than rivals. That cooperation was echoed by the Majority Leader of the Assembly, Noheem Adams, who described the budget as people-oriented, well-scrutinised and reflective of current economic realities.

This harmony between arms of government is not incidental. It is a deliberate outcome of an inclusive governance style that values consultation, debate and consensus. In many ways, the Budget of Shared Prosperity is as much a product of process as it is of policy, a testament to institutional collaboration in service of the public good.

From a policy standpoint, the substance of the budget reinforces its inclusive character. According to the Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Mr. Ope George, the appropriation is designed to accelerate economic growth, deepen infrastructure development, improve transportation systems and maintain fiscal responsibility. These pillars speak directly to the lived experiences of Lagosians, from commuters navigating daily traffic to entrepreneurs seeking reliable infrastructure to grow their businesses.

Infrastructure development, long a cornerstone of Lagos governance, remains a key driver of inclusion. Roads, bridges, public transport and urban renewal projects are not abstract investments; they are enablers of opportunity. When mobility improves, access expands to jobs, education, healthcare and markets. By prioritising these sectors, the Sanwo-Olu administration is effectively lowering barriers and widening participation in the state’s economic life.

Equally important is the emphasis on fiscal responsibility. In an era of economic uncertainty and competing demands, prudent financial management is itself a social policy. It ensures that today’s development does not become tomorrow’s burden and that public resources are deployed where they deliver the greatest collective impact. The upward revision of the budget from ₦4.2 trillion to about ₦4.4 trillion following legislative review reflects responsiveness to evolving realities, not fiscal recklessness.

Yet, inclusive governance is not defined by budgets alone. It is also reflected in how a government recognises and supports those who bear the heaviest burdens for society’s stability. This was powerfully illustrated by Governor Sanwo-Olu’s reaffirmation of Lagos State’s unwavering support for the armed forces during the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day.

Speaking through his deputy, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, at the parade and wreath-laying ceremony, the governor made it clear that Lagos stands with the men and women of the armed forces, whether alive or fallen. This gesture goes beyond symbolism. It is an acknowledgment that security is a shared responsibility and that those who make supreme sacrifices deserve not only honour, but tangible support.

The administration’s consistent backing of the armed forces, offered annually and with a pledge to do even more, reflects an inclusive understanding of governance that values every contributor to national wellbeing. By urging officers and men to continue giving their best despite daunting challenges, and by calling for prayers on their behalf, the governor struck a tone of empathy and solidarity — one that resonates with families who live daily with the realities of service and sacrifice.

The Remembrance Day ceremony itself was a study in unity and shared respect. From representatives of the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary, to traditional institutions, security agencies, widows of fallen heroes and community leaders, the gathering reflected a Lagos that honours service across lines of rank, status and background. It reinforced the idea that inclusion is not merely economic; it is moral and civic.

Taken together, the signing of the Budget of Shared Prosperity and the state’s posture toward the armed forces reveal a consistent governing ethos. Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration has sought to balance growth with compassion, ambition with responsibility, and development with dignity. Whether through fiscal policy or symbolic acts of remembrance, the underlying message remains the same: governance must see, value and uplift all segments of society.

As Lagos continues to evolve, grappling with population growth, urban pressures and economic transitions , the demand for inclusive leadership will only intensify. The 2026 budget, positioned as a final full-year implementation under the current administration, therefore carries added significance. It is not just a plan for the year ahead, but a statement of intent about what Lagos governance should represent.

In a city of millions, shared prosperity is both an aspiration and a necessity. It requires deliberate choices, institutional cooperation and a human-centred approach to policy. By foregrounding these principles, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has placed inclusion at the heart of Lagos’ fiscal and moral agenda.

Ultimately, the success of the Budget of Shared Prosperity will be measured not only in completed projects or balanced accounts, but in lived outcomes, shorter commutes, safer communities, stronger institutions and a citizenry that feels seen and served. If implementation matches intent, Lagosians may well look back on the 2026 budget as a defining chapter in the state’s ongoing journey toward a more inclusive and resilient future.

 Samson writes from Victoria Island, Lagos