Lagos residents react to N4.44trn 2026 budget, demand better security, healthcare, waste management

THE passage of the Lagos State 2026 budget by the state House of Assembly has, without doubt, reignited hope and created renewed excitement, but not without controversy. It has generated mixed feelings across the state’s 20 local government councils and 37 local council development areas (LCDAs).

While some see the budget as an opportunity to recalibrate and consolidate past and present gains, others believe that, like previous fiscal documents, there may be little to cheer at the end of the budget cycle. Those with this view describe it as the usual annual ritual, with little or no positive trickle-down effect on the people, especially those at the lowest rungs of the socio-economic ladder, by the time the cycle is completed. Not even the increase in the budget size to N4.44 trillion from N3.387 trillion excites them, as they prefer to remain cautious and wait to “see things happen” before celebrating.

Interestingly, the N4.44 trillion budget comes with assurances of improved healthcare delivery, enhanced security, youth employment, economic growth, expanded infrastructure and strengthened social welfare.

“The budget is about strengthening how we govern and keeping Lagos competitive. No matter where you live or what you do, you should feel the impact,” Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had assured.

The state’s number one citizen was also unequivocal about the areas his administration intends to prioritise. He stated that the budget would enable the government to invest in schools, build and upgrade facilities, improve security and deliver practical and critical interventions that would raise the quality of life across the state.

However, from densely populated island communities to the mainland and fast-growing suburbs, Lagosians are already weighing the promises against their daily realities. These include overstretched public hospitals, unchecked rent increases, gridlocked and pothole-ridden roads, unreliable electricity supply and a rising cost of living.

While the governor described the 2026 fiscal plan as ushering in a bold era of infrastructure development, security and economic empowerment, residents who spoke with Saturday Tribune insisted that the true test lies in implementation and the visible impact the budget would have on livelihoods.

Saturday Tribune’s interactions with a cross-section of residents on their expectations of the budget were quite revealing. While calling for improved living conditions and a friendlier business environment, the general consensus among them, irrespective of status, is the urgent need for improved security, healthcare and traffic management in the state.

For instance, Lagos-based businessman, Mr Henry Ugochukwu, said he would like the budget to serve as a catalyst for growth in Africa’s largest economic hub, stressing the need for effective implementation.

“The government should concentrate more on translating the budget into meaningful improvements in the lives of average Lagosians,” he said.

Ugochukwu also called for a significant scale-up of the state’s security architecture, including the acquisition of additional patrol vehicles and security gadgets for the police.

“Insecurity, cultism and other associated crimes must be tackled head-on,” he said, adding that massive recruitment into the Neighbourhood Watch Corps would help extend security to every corner of the state.

Another resident, Tomiwa Olanrewaju, echoed similar sentiments, stressing that the 2026 budget must deliver a more conducive business environment.

She identified improved street lighting and community policing as critical enablers of economic activity and job creation.

Emmanuel Ukudolo, another resident, expressed concern over manpower shortages and the state of medical facilities, particularly in the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) and primary healthcare centres.

“We need to address the plight of medical doctors to halt incessant strikes. The budget must be implemented in such a way that more personnel are recruited, with massive investment in modern medical facilities and good working conditions to meet the needs of the people,” he said.

While commending the state government for its efforts at improving the fortunes of the state and its residents, Alhaji Abdul Tijani expressed concern over the state’s projection of N3.12 trillion as Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

Alhaji Tijani, a cement dealer, said he was apprehensive that a huge portion of the IGR would be generated by increasing taxes on individuals and businesses.

“Businesses are already overburdened in Lagos. I don’t see how the state government will achieve more IGR without asking individuals and businesses to pay more. But excessive taxation could lead to chaos, because at the end of the day, there may be no more businesses to tax, as many would have shut down,” he stated.

The Ipaja-based businessman said the government should focus on creating a more enabling environment for businesses to thrive.

Makinde Robert, a resident of Aboru in Agbado Oke-Odo, said he expects the budget to address the poor state of roads in the area, which become almost impassable during the rainy season.

Robert also wants a significant portion of the over N500 billion security vote to be deployed to secure remote areas of the state where the activities of miscreants, hoodlums and cultists are increasing.

“For instance, a few days ago, cultists operated unchecked for hours in Aboru and Iyana Ipaja, injuring residents and destroying vehicles. This is not acceptable for a city that prides itself as a megacity,” he added.

Waste management is another issue the fashion designer wants the budget to address.

“Unless we are not being truthful to ourselves, Lagos is no longer as clean as it used to be. Refuse is dumped indiscriminately everywhere, even in the middle of roads. This is not good for a city of Lagos’ status. The budget should address this,” he said.

Mr Samuel Alabi urged caution, warning that budgetary initiatives must not be hijacked for personal enrichment.

“The budget looks promising on paper, but politicians must not hijack it. If funds are spent wisely, even the poorest residents will feel the impact,” he said.

Chairman of the Agbado Oke-Odo Community Development Council (CDC), Mr Ernest Kasunmu, urged the government to move beyond rhetoric and deliberately impact the lives of residents.

He identified road infrastructure, healthcare and youth employment as key priorities for 2026.

“We want the construction of new roads. Agbado Oke-Odo has significant infrastructure deficits and these should be prioritised,” he said.

Kasunmu also called for improved logistical support for security agencies, noting that while there is relative peace, more needs to be done.

“Residents should be able to sleep with their two eyes closed,” he said.

On healthcare, he lamented what he described as the neglect of primary healthcare centres under local government control.

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“Although ambulances have been procured, there is still a need for essential drugs, diagnostic equipment and more medical personnel. Agbado Oke-Odo has the highest number of health centres in Lagos State and should have a corresponding number of doctors and nurses,” he said.

He appealed to the state government to fulfill its promise on the reconstruction of Yetkem Road, which he said was approved but remains abandoned.

“We are entering the implementation phase of another budget cycle. While the governor has made visible efforts, we urge him to do more in road construction, transportation and other social amenities,” Kasunmu said.

In Lagos Mainland, the traditional head of Otumara community, Apapa Road, Ojo-Oniyun and surrounding areas, High Chief Kehinde Kalejaiye, called for an end to erratic power supply in his community.

He decried what he described as outrageous estimated billing by Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC), now known as Excel Distribution Company, and urged the government to channel more infrastructure spending toward stable electricity supply.

Kalejaiye also criticised the alleged reclassification of electricity consumers from Band C to Band A without consultation.

“How can consumers be paying exorbitantly for electricity they did not consume?” he asked.

“As a business owner, operating in this country has become extremely difficult. My electricity bill was raised from N300,000 to N1 million without justification. My meter was reclassified without prior notice,” he said.

He accused the electricity company of lacking transparency and exploiting unmetered consumers.

“I am calling on the Lagos State government, the Lagos State Electricity Regulatory Commission (LASERC) and the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to intervene. We want full adherence to the capping order and accountability in billing, whether consumers are metered or not,” he said.

Beyond electricity, Kalejaiye urged visible progress in tackling banditry and terrorism and called for the restoration of public confidence in institutions, particularly the judiciary.

“We want the government to deliver basic social services—stable electricity, good roads, quality healthcare, education and other infrastructure as provided for in the 2026 state budget,” he said.

He noted that despite reports of economic improvement, many residents are yet to feel relief.

“Fuel prices may have dropped to N739 per litre, but transport fares remain unchanged and the cost of goods continues to rise,” he said.

According to him, Nigerians expect tangible economic gains in 2026, including inflation control, job creation and improved living standards.

“Jobs must not only be created; they must be sustainable and well-paying to reduce poverty and insecurity,” he said.

He also called for targeted interventions to address rising food prices, improved support for local food production, better distribution systems and effective social safety nets.

“Infrastructure promises must move beyond rhetoric. Nigerians want roads that last, reliable power supply and fair electricity billing,” Kalejaiye added.

He called for greater transparency and accountability in public spending.

“The public is tired of investigations that generate headlines but produce few convictions,” he said.