The Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM) governorship candidate in Lagos State, Prince Laja Adeoye, has called for greater accountability in public financial management.

Mr Adeoye made the call on Saturday while delivering a keynote presentation at a summit organised at the University of Lagos (UNILAG).

The summit was organised by master’s students in budgeting and public financial management, in conjunction with the Centre for Economic Policy Analysis and Research, UNILAG.

It focused on public financial management, budgeting and economic development, with particular reference to Lagos State.

Mr Adeoye examined the relationship between the state’s revenue performance, public expenditure and the conditions experienced by residents.

He said the growth in government revenue should translate into improved services and better living conditions for the people.

“Revenue growth has not translated into commensurate improvements in the daily life of Lagosians,” Mr Adeoye said.

He said the situation required a fresh approach to public financial management and resource allocation.

Mr Adeoye called for greater attention to housing, healthcare, education, security and other basic services.

He also called for a decisive change in the management of public resources ahead of the 2027 elections.

Mr Adeoye said if elected, his administration would implement full local government autonomy in Lagos State.

He also emphasised the importance of accountability and a clear separation of powers in the relationship between the executive and legislature.

According to him, effective governance requires a clear understanding of each arm of government’s responsibilities.

He said budgets should be based on citizens’ actual needs and developed through meaningful engagement with relevant stakeholders.

“Budgets must be prepared only after meaningful engagement with stakeholders,” he said.

“Spending should reflect real needs rather than abstract targets,” Mr Adeoye said.

He said his proposed Atunto Eko (Reset Lagos) Agenda would focus on measurable results and improved service delivery across key sectors.

Mr Adeoye said the agenda would prioritise affordable housing, healthcare, primary healthcare and quality education.

He also proposed open procurement, real-time project tracking, independent audits and strict anti-corruption measures to strengthen public financial management.

The APM candidate said his administration would also promote industrial development and support small and medium-sized enterprises.

He identified security, environmental management and urban planning as important components of economic development and effective governance.

Mr Adeoye said the proposed agenda was designed to improve public resource management and ensure government spending addressed residents’ needs.

A former chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), AbdulRasheed Bawa, who participated in the summit online, joined other panellists in discussing accountability and effective management of public resources.

Other panellists at the summit included Prof. Adenike Egunjobi, Dr Peter Amah and Prince Cashmir Idekwulim, all of the department of finance, UNILAG.

The chairman of the planning committee, David Tom, thanked participants for attending the summit.

The committee also presented an award to Mr Adeoye in recognition of his contribution to the event.

(NAN)