Ope George has said that the Year 2026 “Budget of Shared Prosperity” signed into law by Babajide Sanwo-Olu is designed to strengthen infrastructure sustainability, economic diversification, institutional reforms and inclusive social development across Lagos State.
Speaking during the 2026 Ministerial Press Briefing held at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre in Alausa, Ikeja, George disclosed that the ₦4.444 trillion budget comprises ₦2.338 trillion in capital expenditure and ₦2.106 trillion in recurrent expenditure.
According to the commissioner, the 53:47 capital-to-recurrent ratio was deliberately structured to accelerate economic growth and improve the quality of life of Lagos residents.
George revealed that ₦1.467 trillion has been allocated to major infrastructure projects covering transportation, healthcare, education and public works.
He said key projects include the Opebi-Mende Link Bridge and the Eti-Osa/Lekki/Epe Expressway Phase IIB, both expected to reduce traffic congestion, improve connectivity and stimulate economic activities across strategic parts of the state.
The commissioner explained that the Opebi-Mende Link Bridge would provide an alternative route connecting residential communities such as Mende and Maryland to the commercial districts of Ikeja.
According to him, the project will help ease pressure on heavily congested routes including Kudirat Abiola Way and Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way while boosting property values, commercial growth and logistics efficiency.
On housing, George said the state government is prioritising the completion of several housing schemes targeted at low- and middle-income residents.
The projects include the 504-unit LAGOSHOMS Sangotedo Phase II, Epe Housing Scheme, Ibeshe Phase II, Late Abdul-Wahab Oke Benson Estate, LAGOSHOMS Ajara-Badagry and the Egan Mixed Housing Scheme.
He noted that the projects are aimed at reducing the housing deficit and expanding access to affordable homes across the state.
Speaking on economic diversification, George disclosed that ₦87 billion was allocated to food security initiatives, including the Lagos Wholesale Produce Hub.
He also said ₦35 billion was earmarked for tourism infrastructure projects such as the Badagry Point of No Return and the Lagos Heritage Centre.
In addition, ₦112 billion was committed to energy and power development projects aimed at improving productivity and reducing operational downtime across the state economy.
George further explained that institutional reforms remain a major focus of the budget, with ₦33 billion allocated to technology and digital transformation initiatives.
The commissioner said the funds would support the automation of government processes, improve revenue generation and enhance the ease of doing business through faster public service delivery.
Highlighting achievements in education, George stated that the Lagos Education Access Fund under the Education Outcomes Fund has entered active implementation and is expected to impact more than 200,000 children within three years.
He said the programme is supported by international partners including UBS Optimus Foundation and the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
On fiscal performance, George disclosed that Lagos recorded an 84 percent budget performance in the 2025 fiscal year and projected a first-quarter 2026 performance rate of between 60 and 70 percent.
He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to prudent fiscal management, economic resilience and people-focused policies aimed at positioning Lagos as a globally competitive and economically prosperous state.
