• Joins Tinubu for Jummat prayers
From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has described the proposed 2025 federal budget as a bold fiscal plan that is both ambitious and achievable.
Speaking at a Jumat service alongside President Bola Tinubu in Lagos, Sanwo-Olu highlighted the budget’s unprecedented scale, which is set at approximately ₦47.9 trillion, making it the largest in Nigeria’s history.
Speaking to journalists at the Alausa-Ikeja Central Mosque, where he joined Tinubu for prayers, Sanwo-Olu expressed optimism about the government’s ability to implement the budget effectively.
He emphasised that despite its size, the budget is realistic and aims to reassure Nigerians of the federal government’s commitment to economic recovery and development.
Sanwo-Olu underscored the importance of swift action in the budget’s implementation, urging that parameters be established within the first quarter of 2025. “It’s an audacious project, but it’s also a budget of reality. This will be the largest budget that we’ll see in the history of the federal government. It’s not even just the largest, the leap frog of that size of budget.
“So it’s a real budget of reassurance, it’s very audacious, but in my view, I will believe it is achievable, all they need to do is set up the proper machinery within the first quarter to ensure that it can be achieved. “
The governor acknowledged that while the targets may seem ambitious, they are attainable with diligent planning and execution.
“I’ve looked at the indices, they are a stretch, but they are achievable and if we do get to those numbers, this country will be on the on a proper foot of recovery, and it’s to the gladness of each and everyone of us”, Sanwo-Olu said.
In addition to discussing the budget, Sanwo-Olu described President Tinubu’s return to Lagos as a “historic homecoming.”
He noted that this visit holds special significance as it marks Tinubu’s first major appearance in the state since leaving office as governor in 2007. “This moment is not just nostalgic; it reflects our shared journey and aspirations,” Sanwo-Olu remarked.