As Ministries, Departments and Agencies of Government in Ogun State began the defence of the 2026 budget proposals, the Chairman, House Committee on Finance and Appropriation and a member representing Ado-Odo/Ota 2 State Constituency, Hon. Musefiu Lamidi has described the commencement of the 2026 budget defence sessions as one that is anchored on accountability and transparency with focus on getting value for government resources towards achieving the goal of budget of sustainable legacy.

Hon. Lamidi, while presiding over the budget defence sessions, stated that all figures presented before the Committee would be thoroughly scrutinised to ensure the completion of ongoing projects, block revenue leakages and deliver a people-oriented and sustainable budget.

Taking turn to defend the budget proposal of the State Ministry of Information and Strategy for the next fiscal year, the Special Adviser to the Governor on  Media and Communication, Mr. Kayode Akinmade assured that the Ministry planned to deploy necessary communication strategies towards publicising all programmes and projects listed under the budget of sustainable legacy.

According to the Special Adviser, the State is billed to celebrate 50th anniversary and the implementation of sustainable legacy projects and programmes deserved high level documentations that would further project government's strides.

Defending the Ministry’s 2026 budget proposal, Mr. Akinmade disclosed that a total expenditure of ₦2.67 billion was proposed for the next fiscal year; with ₦476m earmarked for capital projects, ₦1.6bn for overhead costs, and ₦577m would take care of personnel.

Responding, the Committee advised the Ministry to further redouble its efforts at ensuring effective projection and amplification of government activities across all Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government.

The lawmakers also called for stronger collaboration between the Ministry and other MDAs in highlighting government policies and programmes.

Taking turn to defend the budget proposals of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the Commissioner in charge of the Ministry, Chief Sesan Fagbayi, presented a total budget proposal of ₦4.9 bn, comprising ₦1.006 bn for capital projects, ₦3.4 bn for overhead costs, and ₦495m for personnel expenses.

The lawmakers emphasised the need to sustain tourism as a viable revenue source for the State; while encouraging the Ministry to expand its initiatives across other tourism assets.

Other agencies that defended their 2026 budget proposals before the Committee included the Ogun State Television (OGTV) with a commendation for its revenue drive; the Ogun State Broadcasting Corporation (OGBC), the Ogun State Printing Corporation, and the Ogun State Signage and Advertising Agency.