Prioritise transparency, CSO tells new Lagos speaker
The Lagos Civil Society Participation for Development has called on the new Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mojisola Meranda, to champion transparency by initiating public hearings for the state’s annual budget.
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Sunday, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Ayo Adebusoye, emphasised the importance of citizen involvement in the budgetary process.
According to him, allowing public input during the Appropriation Bill presentation would foster inclusive governance and strengthen trust in the Assembly.
“Lagos State once prided itself on ensuring public hearings for all laws, but the principal law—the budget—has been excluded from this process. Opening the budget process to public scrutiny would set Speaker Meranda apart from her predecessors and reaffirm the state’s commitment to accountability,” Adebusoye said.
He further urged the Assembly to enhance transparency in procurement processes, contracts, and foreign deals, as well as to open the budget allocations for the House of Assembly and Legislative House Service Commission. This, he argued, would reduce corruption allegations and boost public confidence.
Adebusoye also advocated for the reactivation of the civil society legislative desk to facilitate seamless engagement between lawmakers and advocacy groups.
“Positive reforms may face resistance, but aligning with the public’s interest will ultimately distinguish the Speaker’s leadership,” he noted.
The CSO’s appeal highlights the growing demand for accountability and citizen participation in governance across Lagos State.
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