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.”