Speeches

Communiqué On The 3-Day Retreat Of The State Executive Council And Body Of Permanent Secretaries

Jul 10, 2010 - Under the Chairmanship of His Excellency the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola SAN, the State Executive Council Members and Body of Permanent Secretaries, as well as some heads of Parastatals and Extra-Ministerial Departments met between Thursday, 8th July and Saturday, 10th July, 2010 at the Golden Tulip Hotels, Amuwo Odofin, Lagos.

The meeting allowed for robust deliberations and self appraisal on the activities of some Agencies of Government. These included the Ministries of Housing and Health, the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) and the Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA) respectively. Accordingly, the following were highlights of their deliberations:
a) The 2nd Quarter 2010 Budget Performance was appraised and it is gladdening to note that it recorded 80% performance;

b) There was the need for improved performance from all Revenue Generating Agencies of the State;

c) The State Government is determined to cut down on recurrent expenditure and focus more on Capital Projects to impact more on the standard and quality of living of Lagosians;

d) Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) were enjoined to strictly operate the 2010 Budget as any form of budgetary indiscipline would be sanctioned;

e) Government is still determined to improve the capacity of its workforce. However, MDAs should promptly forward their training needs for Y2011 to the Ministry of Establishments Training and Pensions for appraisal, clearance and subsequent accommodation in the State's Budget;

f) The Retreat expressed satisfaction in most of the activities of the MDAs that carried out Impact Assessment of their programmes and projects but emphasized the need for adequate documentation and public awareness;

g) The State Government is resolute in supporting her Independent Power Project (IPP) in the State to address the problem of power for industrial and other productive ventures;

h) Dedicated sites would be created, with necessary facilities, for artisans such as those engaged in furniture works, metal fabrication and block making in the three Senatorial Districts of the State;

i) A more scientific and verifiable performance appraisal strategy would be put in place to determine the promotion of Public Officers in the State;

j) The State Government is desirous of partnering with Tertiary Institutions for Research, Planning and Development issues to assist in improving service delivery;

k) The Retreat noted that a framework for maintenance of public infrastructure has been developed to enhance resource utilisation and engender value-for-money;

l) The State Government expressed her commitment to improving on its service delivery capabilities through consistent infrastructure renewal and development. Accordingly, Public Service Agencies such as Hospitals and Schools would continue to enjoy upgrade of facilities;

m) Government restated her commitment to the Public Private Partnership initiative in the provision of services to the citizenry of the State;

n) Finally, Government advised all her agencies having direct dealings with the public to improve their public/ human relations.