The Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, says his
administration has been able to cut the cost of governance by
N3bn monthly.
He said N9bn had been saved in the last three months.
Ambode, who spoke at the first edition of the Quarterly Town
Hall Meeting at Abesan Estate, in the Alimosho area of the state
on Tuesday, explained that the money was saved after he
stabilised the revenue and expenditure framework of the state.
He added that the realignment of ministries, departments and
agencies also played a role in the saving.
He said, “This has provided us with more funds to inject into
capital projects and the initial funds to establish the Employment
Trust Fund which we promised our youths. Today, a major
landmark of our administration is the reduction in the cost of
governance. We want a lean government with quality service
delivery.
“The Lagos State Government is also proud to declare that it has
consistently met its obligations, especially prompt payment of
workers’ salaries without seeking any bailout from the Federal
Government.”
The governor said in August, his administration approved the
release of N11bn for the payment of pension arrears owed
pensioners since 2010, adding that his government had, on a
monthly basis, consistently been presenting retirees on the
Contributory Pension Scheme their bond certificates and had
also approved the appointment of four additional Pension Fund
Administrators to give civil servants a wider range of options.
In the area of health, Ambode said his government had provided
additional 20 Mobile Intensive Care Unit ambulances at a cost
of N145m.
“We have also provided additional 26 Transport Ambulances at
the cost of N257m. We have created ambulance points across
the states for easy access to our people. The ambulance service
can be reached by calling the Toll-Free Line 112.
“Our administration in the last three months has installed 22
generators to act as back-ups in the general hospitals at the cost
of N270m. This will ensure 24-hour power supply. In addition,
26 Mobile X-Ray machines, costing N519.7m are being
installed at all our general hospitals across the state.
“Similarly, we have granted approval for the recruitment of
more paramedic staff and special medical coordinators to ensure
24-hour service in our health facilities,” Ambode said.
The governor said the abandoned Ayinke House Project (public
hospital for pregnant women and children) had been re-awarded
and that the contractor would deliver the project within six
months.
Ambode said what his administration had done in the first
quarter was to lay down the institutional framework for the
smooth running of the government for the next three and a half
years.
He said, “What we have done can be described as the laying the
foundation on which the service and programmes of this
government will be built. You cannot run a four-year marathon
at top speed from the onset.
Like any other well-bred Chief
Executive Officer, I have put in place all the ingredients needed
to run a successful race.
“We will continue to woo investors to Lagos. We are assisting
businesses and creating a conducive environment for investors
to start business and employ our people. I want to assure you
that our programmes are well thought-out and carefully
designed to make life easier and better for all our citizens.”
