- Suggest Elevation Of Statistics Bureau To Full Fledged Ministry
The Lagos State Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget (MEPB) has earned significant praise from members of the Lagos State House of Assembly following an oversight and familiarisation visit by the House Committee on Economic Planning and Budget.
The Lawmakers commended the Ministry’s commitment to institutional excellence, particularly its proactive approach to youth inclusion and its potential in data-driven governance.
Hon. Sa’ad Olumoh, Chairman of the House Committee, lauded the vibrant energy and innovation within the Ministry, largely attributed to its youthful workforce.
“The presence of young people in this Ministry is, to me, a reason to celebrate. Engaging young minds in the work of the Ministry is a testament to the excellence I see here today,” he remarked during the visit. This emphasis on youth empowerment aligns with the state’s broader agenda to cultivate a dynamic and forward-thinking civil service.
A key highlight of the discussions was the strategic importance of the Bureau of Statistics, which falls under the Ministry. Recognising Lagos’s substantial contribution to the national economy, accounting for an estimated 60 to 70 percent of Nigeria’s GDP, the Committee called for the Bureau’s elevation beyond its current departmental status.
They proposed the establishment of a dedicated Permanent Secretary and potentially statutory backing to reflect its critical role in economic planning and policy formulation.
Furthermore, the Committee urged the MEPB to strengthen its Monitoring and Evaluation Department. This enhancement, they noted, is crucial for improving project outcomes, ensuring transparency, and guaranteeing value for money in public spending. “If the issue is a manpower shortfall, it must be addressed without delay”, Chairman Olumoh stressed, underscoring the urgency of adequate staffing for effective oversight. The lawmakers also acknowledged the commendable engagement maintained by the Office of Climate Change and Circular Economy and the Lagos State Resilience Office.
Echoing the sentiments of his colleagues, Hon. Samuel Apata declared, “The Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget is the heart of Lagos State. If MEPB is not functioning, nothing else will work.” Other Honourable Members commended the Ministry’s initiative in empowering younger staff to take on leadership roles, fostering a culture of excellence and high performance.
The lawmakers also challenged the Ministry to spearhead a paperless work culture within the next two to three years, encouraging departments to align with global digital transformation trends and solidify Lagos State’s position as a trailblazer in innovation and governance.
The Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Mr. Mosopefolu George, who led the management in welcoming the Honourable Members, noted that the Ministry remains committed to professional excellence. He revealed that the Ministry deliberately prioritises the development of its younger staff, often allocating international training slots to junior officers to build long-term capacity.
Responding the the lawmakers’ commendation for the Ministry in maintaining a clean and conducive work environment, the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Olayinka Ojo disclosed that MEPB has been recognised consecutively for the clean environment by the State Sanitation Assessment Reports – a feat attributed to intentionality.
Lawmakers in attendance included: Hon. Sa’ad Olumoh (Chairman), Hon. Kehinde Joseph, Hon. Stephen Ogundipe, Hon. Adebola Shabi, Hon. Samuel Apata, Hon. Musbau Lawal, Hon. (Prince) Adeseyi Lawal and Hon. Jimoh Orelope
