Lagos State has achieved about 80 per cent performance in its 2026 budget, with Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) also reaching approximately the same level at the latest half-year review, the state government has disclosed.

The disclosure came as the state commenced consultations with residents and stakeholders across its five divisions ahead of the preparation of the 2027 budget.

Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Mr Ope George, gave the figures on Monday at the 2027 Budget Consultative Forum held at the Multipurpose Hall, Radio Lagos, Agidingbi, Ikeja.

George said the state had maintained a budget performance of at least 80 per cent over the past few years, describing the latest result as evidence of sustained implementation of government programmes and projects.

“Every year, we perform minimum 80 per cent on our budget over the last couple of years. So, as of last check, we are close to 80 per cent or 79 per cent,” he said.

The commissioner also said the state’s IGR performance remained strong, noting that Lagos had historically targeted and achieved between 85 and 90 per cent performance within the fiscal year.

According to him, the latest half-year assessment showed that IGR performance had already reached about 80 per cent.

“Now, in terms of our IGR, we always perform close to 85-90 per cent of our IGR within Lagos State. So, as of our last half year, we’re also at 80 per cent now for our IGR,” he said.

George further disclosed that Lagos’ real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was currently estimated at about N16.2 trillion.

He explained that the state monitors both nominal and real GDP as part of efforts to assess the strength and direction of its economy. While nominal GDP reflects economic output at prevailing prices, real GDP provides a measure adjusted for price changes and is therefore useful in assessing actual economic growth.

The 2027 Budget Consultative Forum forms part of the state government’s annual process of engaging residents and other stakeholders before finalising its spending priorities for the following fiscal year.

The consultations provide an opportunity for residents to identify pressing needs in their communities, make recommendations and assess the impact of previous government interventions.

The process is also intended to strengthen public participation in budget preparation and ensure that government spending reflects the needs of communities across the state.

Speaking from the community perspective, Hon. Adesegun Olatunde, Chairman of the Community Development Committee, Isolo LCDA, and an Executive Committee member of the Lagos State Community Development Council, commended the government for sustaining the consultation process.

Olatunde said he had participated in the exercise for almost eight years and that the response to requests presented by communities had encouraged residents to continue taking part.

“Most times it’s positive. You know, budget depends. There are other things that might come out unexpected, which has to be attended to during this section,” he said.

He acknowledged that government could not implement every request made by communities, but maintained that residents had continued to see significant attention to their priorities through the budget process.

“At worst, 70 per cent of what we request is attended to, which shows a pass mark,” he said.

According to him, the broad representation at the forum was another indication of the importance of the consultation exercise.

He noted that different groups, including artisans, youths and community representatives, were given an opportunity to present their concerns and make recommendations on issues affecting their livelihoods and communities.

Lagos State Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget (MEPB), Mr Ope George (right); Special Adviser to Governor Sanwo-Olu on SDGs, Dr. Oreoluwa Finnih (2nd right); Oba Isheri-Olofin Kingdom, Oba Ibrahim Lawal-Bello (2nd left) and Onishasha of Shaha Kingdom, Oba Babatunde Ogunronbi (left) during the opening of the Lagos State Y2027 Budget Consultative Forum at Ikeja division, held at the Multipurpose Hall, Radio-Lagos, Agidingbi, Ikeja, on Monday
“It is good. If you see everybody here, we have the artisans, the community, the youth, wherever, they are all here to give an input. Because everybody is important in this state,” he said.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget, Mrs Olayinka Ojo, urged participants to make practical recommendations capable of producing measurable improvements in the lives of residents.

Ojo said stakeholders should not limit their contributions to identifying challenges but should also propose solutions that were practical, impactful and sustainable.

She said such recommendations should help improve livelihoods, stimulate economic activity, strengthen human capital development and promote social inclusion across Lagos.

The Permanent Secretary assured participants that the contributions made during the consultations would not be discarded after the forum.

She said the recommendations would be documented and analysed before being forwarded to the relevant government institutions for consideration in the preparation and implementation of the 2027 budget.

The consultation therefore provides an avenue for the government to balance its fiscal priorities with the demands of residents, particularly as Lagos continues to contend with the infrastructure, transportation, housing, employment and social-service pressures associated with its growing population and economic importance.

With the 2026 budget performance and IGR figures approaching 80 per cent at the latest assessment, the state government is expected to use the remaining months of the fiscal year to consolidate implementation while drawing on stakeholders’ submissions to shape spending priorities for 2027.