By Olasunkanmi Akoni

Lagos—The Lagos State House of Assembly yesterday approved the re-ordering of the Year 2015 budget of the state government as requested by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode.

Gov. Ambode

The House approved N19, 743, 164, 323 for capital expenditure and N5, 697, 089, 009 for recurrent expenditure bringing the total approved sum to N25, 440, 253, 332.

The House also admonished the Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget to henceforth do a quarterly review of approved budget to enhance effectiveness and determine level of compliance by the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

Governor Ambode had last week presented letter to the House on the subject titled: “Re-ordering of priorities under the 2015 Budget”.

According to the letter, the Governor listed the reasons for the re-ordering to include construction of a pedestrian bridge at Ojodu Berger, construction of fly-over bridges at Ajah Roundabout and Pen Cinema, Agege.

The letter added that the budget re-ordering proposal would cater for the continuation of the construction of blue light rail project, continuation of the construction of the Lekki-Epe Expressway and acquisition of emergency/rescue helicopters and heavy duty equipment (cranes and forklift) and for Employment Trust Fund and Wealth Creation Programmes.

New LIRS boss

Meantime, the newly appointed Chairman of the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service, LIRS, Mr. Olufolarin Ogunsanwo, yesterday, appeared before members of the Lagos State House of Assembly for screening and subsequently, confirmed.

It will be recalled that the former LIRS chairman, Mr Babatunde Fowler recently resigned his appointment to take charge of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, as chairman before Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, nominated Ogunsanwo as the new Chairman.

Ambode had earlier approved the appointment of new Directors to the Board of LIRS.

The new directors include; Mrs. Akintola Bolaji, Moroof Oludare Tijani, Mrs. Arinola Kola-Daisi, Seyi Alade, Mrs. Afolayan Folashade and Ayodele Adebayo with Jimi Aina serving as Board Secretary.

The new officers are expected to resume work immediately and work towards implementing the vision of the state government.