Infrastructure First: Sanwo-Olu Dedicates N2.6tn to Projects as Budget Becomes Law

IKEJA — Lagos State is set for a massive infrastructural overhaul this year, as Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu officially signed the 2026 Budget into law, dedicating a whopping 60 percent of the total expenditure to capital projects.

Out of the record-breaking ₦4.4 trillion budget signed on Monday at the State House, Ikeja, the Governor has earmarked ₦2.64 trillion specifically for infrastructure, transportation, and healthcare development, signaling an aggressive push to complete legacy projects.

“We Are in a Hurry”

Speaking after assenting to the bill—tagged the “Budget of Sustainable Transformation”—Sanwo-Olu declared that the era of slow governance is over. He stated that the heavy tilt towards capital expenditure is a deliberate strategy to ensure that the administration completes critical infrastructure before the year runs out.

“We have prioritized capital expenditure because we are in a hurry to deliver,” Sanwo-Olu told the gathering of cabinet members and lawmakers. “This N2.64 trillion is for the Fourth Mainland Bridge, the expansion of the Red Line, our new general hospitals, and the smart city network. We want Lagosians to feel the impact of governance on their streets and in their daily lives.”

The Breakdown

The signed budget maintains a distinct ratio favoring development over administration:

• Capital Expenditure: ₦2.64 trillion (60%) – For roads, bridges, schools, and hospitals.
• Recurrent Expenditure: ₦1.76 trillion (40%) – For personnel costs and administrative overheads.

Marching Orders to Commissioners

Governor Sanwo-Olu did not mince words with his cabinet members, issuing an immediate marching order to all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

“The budget is signed; the work begins now,” he charged. “I will not accept excuses. Every commissioner and permanent secretary must hit the ground running. We must ensure 100 percent implementation because this is a contract with the people of Lagos.”

Legislative Backing

The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, affirmed that the legislature would not go to sleep. He promised rigorous oversight to ensure the trillions approved for projects are not diverted or delayed.

“We have given the Executive the tools they asked for. Now, we will watch closely to ensure the Fourth Mainland Bridge and other promises become reality,” Obasa noted.