Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has described the proposed N49.7 trillion 2025 federal budget as ambitious but achievable.
Speaking to newsmen on Friday at the Alausa-Ikeja Central Mosque where he joined President Bola Tinubu for the Jumat service Sanwo-Olu expressed confidence in the government at the centre’s ability to deliver on the bold fiscal plan.
According to him, the 2025 budget estimate represents a significant leap in scale and ambition, marking the largest in Nigeria’s history.
Notwithstanding its size, the governor characterised the budget as a realistic plan designed to reassure Nigerians about the federal government’s commitment to economic recovery and development.
He stressed the need for swift and efficient implementation of the budget, asking for implementation parameters to be set within the first quarter of 2025, to ensure its success.
While acknowledging the challenges posed by the ambitious targets, Sanwo-Olu maintained that the budget’s projections were achievable with the right mechanisms in place.
The governor also highlighted the transformative potential of achieving the outlined goals, suggesting it could place the country firmly on the path to economic recovery.
He described the budget as one that offers hope and progress for all Nigerians.
His words: “It’s an audacious project, 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.
“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 a proper foot of recovery, and it’s to the gladness of each and everyone of us”.
Commenting on the arrival of President Tinubu in Lagos for the Christmas and New Year festivities, the governor described it as a “significant and historic” homecoming, reflecting on the emotional weight of the President’s return to a familiar space where his political journey began.
According to him: “It’s very historic. It’s not just a small homecoming, it’s a big, proper homecoming for him. Since he left as governor in 2007, I can probably count how many times he’s been to this mosque or this area of Lagos. So, for him and for us, it’s a moment of nostalgia and pride”.
Sanwo-Olu noted that Tinubu’s presence at the central mosque was a testament to his inclusive leadership style, especially as the visit coincided with the yuletide season, bridging both Christian and Muslim celebrations.
He said: “This will be the Jumat service that ushers us into Christmas, which is significant for our Christian faith worshippers. As our president, he symbolizes unity for both Christians and Muslims”.
Reflecting on the significance of the day’s prayers, he expressed hope that the sermon and blessings from the service would inspire better leadership and foster unity across the country.
“We’re confident that the preaching today will encourage us to be better leaders and managers, ensuring the unity and peace our country so desperately needs,” Sanwo-Olu said.
As the year draws to a close, the governor urged Nigerians to use the season as an opportunity for reflection and gratitude and also emphasized the importance of evaluating past efforts and planning for a brighter future.
“It’s a time to count our blessings, reflect on our shortcomings, and set new plans for the year ahead,” he further said.
Deji Elumoye
Follow us on:
