Obasa urges lawmakers to strengthen legislative oversight at budget retreat

Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, has called on lawmakers to strengthen the legislative arm of government to ensure better governance in the future.

He made the appeal on Sunday during the opening of a three-day budget retreat for lawmakers and staff of the House. The event, themed “Optimising the Legislature’s Power of the Purse for Effective Service Delivery in Lagos State,” focused on improving the legislative oversight functions of the Assembly.

Speaking at the retreat, which took place in Abeokuta, Obasa emphasized the need for lawmakers to be committed to their legislative responsibilities, leaving lasting legacies that enhance governance, responsibility, and accountability.

He stressed the importance of effective oversight, stating that the legislature plays a crucial role in ensuring that the executive branch adheres to approved budgets.

“What we do now is not for ourselves, but for the integrity of the system as a whole,” Obasa said. “Each of us must be responsible in carrying out our duties. This budget retreat is essential as it allows us to review and scrutinize budgets effectively. Once we approve the budget, the executive must comply because it becomes law.”

He further emphasized that all committee reports must be presented on the floor of the House to promote transparency and accountability. “This will enable us to make informed decisions and hold the executive accountable,” Obasa noted.

The Speaker also urged lawmakers to avoid complacency and be proactive in ensuring Lagos can continue to navigate economic challenges. He encouraged them to put aside personal interests for the greater good, stressing that self-serving behavior would lead to failure.

“If you perform your duties diligently, you will earn respect and be held in high regard by Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs),” Obasa said. He added that the retreat provided an opportunity to improve laws passed by the House and enhance their oversight functions.

In his opening remarks, Barr. Olalekan Onafeko, Clerk and Head of Service of the House, described the retreat as a valuable opportunity for lawmakers to gain insights into the state’s budget. He commended Speaker Obasa for his leadership and urged participants to engage fully in the sessions to acquire fresh ideas and knowledge.

The retreat is expected to equip lawmakers with the tools to effectively monitor budget implementation and ensure that Lagos continues to thrive amidst economic challenges.