At the 18th Edition of the Executive and Legislative Parley held in Lagos, Babatunde Fashola, the former governor of Lagos State and immediate past minister of Works and Housing, offered insights into easing the socio-economic challenges facing residents of Lagos State. Fashola suggested reducing levies and taxes as a strategic measure to alleviate the burdens faced by the people.
The annual parley, aimed at reviewing governmental activities and mandates, provided a platform for stakeholders to address prevailing socio-economic issues and strategize for the betterment of the state. This year’s theme, “Engaging all for Inclusive Governance: Hands on for a Greater Lagos Rising,” underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in achieving a prosperous Lagos.
Fashola commended Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for implementing measures to mitigate the impact of subsidy removal, particularly through initiatives like the school feeding program and transportation cost reduction. However, he emphasized the need for further action, suggesting that reducing levies and taxes across various sectors would provide significant relief to residents.
Drawing from past experiences, Fashola highlighted the effectiveness of tax relief measures during crises, such as the Ebola outbreak, where the suspension of consumption tax brought relief to affected sectors. He emphasized the importance of balancing governance and increasing disposable income to alleviate financial burdens.
As a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Fashola urged the state government to focus on wealth redistribution and support small businesses. He advocated for increased engagement with small businesses across different districts and emphasized the importance of public works initiatives to stimulate economic growth and redistribute wealth effectively.
In addition, Fashola called upon representatives at various levels of government to introspect and assess their commitment to representing the interests of the people. He emphasized the importance of understanding the needs and challenges faced by constituents and reiterated the role of elected officials in addressing these concerns.