Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode is optimistic that 2018 holds great promises for the state and its residents.
In a statement signed on Sunday by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Habib Aruna, the governor assured the people that the state would record landmark achievements in major sectors of the economy in the New Year.
He said that while 2017 witnessed a massive leap in terms of infrastructural development in the state, some of the reforms in key sectors of the economy would take full flight from the beginning of 2018.
“We have good reasons to be very optimistic about what 2018 holds in stock for our state and every Lagosian,” he said.
“The commencement and realisation of some of our reform programmes, especially in the public transport, environment, tourism and health sectors will transform the landscape of the state and improve the quality of lives of all Lagosians.”
Governor Ambode said his administration would not rest on its oars, but would continue to up the ante on infrastructural renewal.
He noted that the 2018 budget of N1.046trillion which has been presented to the House of Assembly for approval would be dedicated majorly to completing some critical ongoing projects, as well as commence some new ones.
Some of the key projects, according to him, include the Oshodi Transport Interchange, reconstruction of the Oshodi International Airport Road, Pen Cinema Flyover, 181 Local Government Roads and other network of roads among others.
“Given the fact that 2018 will be last full fiscal year of this administration’s four-year tenure, our major focus will be the completion of most of the ongoing projects. We will also pursue the objective of strengthening the financial base of our state through various measures aimed at boosting the state’s Internally Generated Revenue.
“We believe very strongly that this is achievable without necessarily increasing taxes but by widening the tax base and ensuring that all revenues due to the state are collected through technologically driven tax collection and management system,” the governor said.
He, however, urged residents to continue to support his administration’s quest to transform the nook and crannies of the state for good by voluntarily paying their taxes as and when due.
Ambode said: “The dream of a new Lagos which we all desire is unfolding and we all have a role to play in this project.”
“Our government is open to new ideas and partnerships, and we will welcome suggestions for better ways to do things and improve on service delivery to the people
“We will continue to provide responsible and responsive leadership which is the hallmark of sustainable development in modern, functional and liveable cosmopolitan city like Lagos,” he added.
