2027: Hamzat unveils policy agenda, promises reforms in transport, housing, security
Lagos State Deputy Governor Unveils Policy Agenda Ahead of 2027 Elections
LAGOS, Nigeria — Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat has introduced a comprehensive policy agenda aimed at addressing key issues in transportation, housing, security, technology, food distribution, and justice delivery in Lagos State. The initiative, titled the “Promise Agenda,” was presented during an event organized by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) in collaboration with the Contact and Mobilisation Committee on Tuesday in Victoria Island.
As the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the 2027 governorship election, Hamzat characterized the agenda as a social contract with the residents of Lagos, pledging its implementation starting May 29, 2027, if successful.
Hamzat emphasized the importance of establishing measurable targets within the agenda. This framework is designed to allow residents to evaluate government performance and hold the administration accountable for its commitments.
Transportation, a pressing challenge for Lagos, garnered significant focus in the presentation. Hamzat cited traffic congestion as causing an estimated economic loss of N1 trillion annually, with residents spending an average of four hours daily in traffic. He highlighted that Lagos has a vehicle density of 212 vehicles per kilometer, well above the national average of 16, making the development of alternative transportation systems a priority.
Plans to address traffic issues include improvements to 63 traffic junctions, with 33 already completed, expanding Bus Rapid Transit services, enhancing terminals, and developing rail and water transportation infrastructure. Hamzat also announced a commitment to prioritizing waterway transport to alleviate road congestion and improve connectivity among communities.
Additional proposals include enhancing pedestrian walkways, organizing bus terminals more effectively, and increasing public green spaces, with a goal of planting 10 million trees over the next four years.
In discussing water supply, Hamzat noted that an ongoing infrastructure project aims to provide access to clean water for six million residents. He also addressed employment, stating that the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund has supported businesses and created approximately 340,000 jobs since 2019. His administration would prioritize mentorship and business management support for small enterprises, with plans for four new industrial parks across the state.
On technological advancements, Hamzat cited Yaba as a burgeoning tech hub and announced the development of a 1,000-kilometer fiber-optic network, which could expand to 6,000 kilometers. He committed to supporting local tech firms through a local-first procurement policy.
Addressing food security, Hamzat revealed plans for a 420-hectare food logistics hub and cold-chain network, along with a proposed N500 billion guarantee scheme to support farmers. He also pledged to enhance training for those in the creative industry to improve their economic returns.
In terms of justice and social welfare, the deputy governor stated the importance of increasing the civil jurisdiction of magistrates’ courts and reducing case backlogs. He indicated that the state has prosecuted around 198 individuals for domestic violence, emphasizing the need to bolster support for survivors.
The agenda places a strong focus on inclusion, with plans to allocate five percent of business support to women-led enterprises, certify artisans in their local languages, and strengthen child protection measures.
On security, Hamzat highlighted the current recruitment of 2,500 personnel for the state’s safety agency, which could pave the way for a potential state police force if constitutional amendments are passed. He also announced increased insurance benefits for police officers who die in service.
Hamzat called for increased investment in housing, aiming to collaborate with private developers to provide affordable homes. He expressed a commitment to innovative housing and mortgage solutions to assist young people and low-income earners.
Earlier in the event, LCCI President Mr. Leye Kupoluyi emphasized the importance of such engagements in assessing the economic policies of political leaders. He identified key areas for the next administration, including improving business conditions, infrastructure, and support for small and medium-scale enterprises.
LCCI Deputy President Mr. Knit Ulvmoen stressed the need for local manufacturing to reduce dependency on imports and called for investments across various sectors.
In a goodwill message, Sterling Bank Managing Director Mr. Abubakar Suleiman noted that Lagos’s real estate sector represents a significant opportunity for capital generation and urged the government to facilitate better access to land assets for investors.
The proposals set forth by Hamzat reflect an extensive vision for Lagos State, seeking to enhance accountability, promote economic growth, and improve the quality of life for residents in anticipation of the upcoming elections.
