LAGOSIANS ASSURED OF MORE DIVIDENDS OF DEMOCRACY

The Honourable Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso has assured the people of Lagos State that the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu led administration will deliver more dividends of democracy in the year 2025.

Omotoso made this known at a Citizen/Media Stakeholders forum organised by the Ministry held on Friday 24th January in Ikeja where he reeled out the achievements of Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration in the previous year and the State government’s plan for 2025.

According to him, in 2024, Lagos navigated many challenges, achieved historic milestones, and set new benchmarks for governance, infrastructure, and social development excellence. The State rose to new heights launching transformative projects like the Red Line Rail, expanding the Blue Line operations, and delivering groundbreaking initiatives in health, education, and youth empowerment.

The State became a beacon for progress and an example of what’s possible when leadership and people align. This did not come by accident but through deliberate plans and actions aimed at making life more meaningful for the citizens of the people.

He recalled that, in 2024, the State Government completed 36 road projects, including bridges, link bridges, and pedestrian infrastructure. It also has over 51 other road projects that are at various stages of development, across all five divisions of the State. These include but are not limited to Arowojobe Link Bridge and Approach Road, Mende, Maryland; Sand Zero Road, Oyingbo; Platinum Road, Igbokusu; Babafemi Dada Bridge and adjoining roads – Yinka Folarin, Jamiu Lawal, and Shalom Academy Road Network, Samuel Ekundayo Road, and Abaranje Road.

Others are Eluku Street/Mosafejo, Agbowa Ikosi, Adamo-Akanun-Agunfoye Lugbusi Roads, Oba Dosunmu Road, Ikeja GRA, Oduduwa Way and Oduduwa Crescent, Ikeja GRA, Sasegbon Street, Ikeja GRA, Alternative Route to Admiralty Circle Toll Plaza, Sobo Arobiodu Street, Ikeja GRA and Lekki-Epe Expressway (Phase IIA and Phase IIB).

Under its Bus Reform Initiative (BRI), the present administration is developing new BRT Bus terminals, with ongoing projects at various stages of completion. The detailed engineering design and construction of the Abule Egba Bus Terminal are progressing well.

Similarly, work on the Iyana Ipaja Bus Terminal is advancing, while the Ajah Bus Terminals and Depots, along with the Addo Road Junction Improvement and Pedestrian Bridge, are nearing completion. Additionally, the construction of BRT infrastructure along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway is progressing, with the section from Doyin Orile to Mile 2 currently under development.

The Commissioner averred that history was made last year with the completion and commissioning of the first phase of the 27-kilometer Red Line rail. This rail line, on which passenger operations commenced on October 15, 2024, is expected to serve 500,000 passengers per day.

The initial phase covers a 27-kilometer stretch from Agbado in Ogun State to Oyingbo in Lagos, with eight stations at key areas (Agbado, Iju, Agege, Ikeja, Oshodi, Mushin, Yaba, and Oyingbo), four vehicular overpasses, three Pedestrian Bridges, and integration with Ikeja, Oshodi, Yaba and Oyingbo Bus Terminals, among other features.

Omotoso added that the plan of the administration is to connect the Red Line with the Blue Line, revealing that work has also commenced on the second phase of the Blue Line, which will extend it from Mile 2 to Okokomaiko.

Similarly, he said, the State Government has also signed an MoU with the Federal Government’s Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI) to kickstart exploratory work on the development of the 68 km Green Line, which will connect Marina to the Lekki Free Trade Zone, along one of the fastest-growing industrial corridors on the continent.

On Water Transportation, the Lagos Ferry Services (LAGFERRY) currently operates on 24 routes, utilising 16 terminals/jetties, and deploying 20 commercial boats. To improve the sector, construction is at an advanced stage on 13 new jetties across the State, in addition to the upgrade works ongoing at existing jetties. In May 2024, the government launched 15 new high-capacity ferries, fabricated and assembled in Lagos while it also intends to launch a second batch of 10 very soon, bringing the total number to 25.

On housing, through the Egan-Igando Mixed Housing Scheme in Igando-Ikotun LCDA, Governor Sanwo-Olu has delivered 270 housing units in line with his commitment to sustainable development and enhancing the well-being of Lagosians. In Amuwo-Odofin, the administration has also commissioned the Rising Lagos Apartments and the LBIC/WGC Greater Lagos Flats, adding 204 units of two-bedroom and three-bedroom apartments. These projects, executed through a Public-Private Partnership, not only increase the housing stock but also promote inclusivity and economic integration.

Omotoso disclosed that a historic milestone was also achieved in Agboyi-Ketu LCDA with the completion and commission of Raymond Estate and Sterling Heights under the Akanimodo Housing Scheme. These estates, offering 170 units of diverse housing types, represent the first residential developments independently delivered by a local government under a PPP model in Nigeria.

“These initiatives go beyond housing – they embody progress, social equity, and the promise of a better future for all Lagosians. Through these efforts, we continue to transform lives and build a resilient and thriving state. In 2025, we will sustain our leveraging of technology to improve the efficiency of our operations through e-governance systems.

“The continued reform of revenue collection systems will eliminate leakages, ensuring that every naira is used for the benefit of the people. Additionally, we will deepen citizen engagement through town hall meetings and other feedback channels, ensuring that the government remains responsive and accountable to the people”, the Commissioner stated.

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