Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, Lagos State Governor, has renewed the state’s call for special status, blaming Abuja politicians for its non-implementation despite its historical significance and economic contributions to the country.
The governor, who spoke at the Financial Times Africa Summit in London, mentioned that the Nigerian federal government has been supportive through reforms and infrastructure projects but insisted that the most populous state in Nigeria deserves more consideration as the country’s commercial hub and former capital.
Sanwo-Olu also asked for a fairer share of Value Added Tax (VAT) revenue, stating that his state generates a significant portion of the nation’s coffer.
Sanwo-Olu listed the proposed Sokoto-Badagry superhighway, the Lagos section of the coastal road and electricity reforms as major support for development from the Federal government to the state.
Speaking at the Summit, the Lagos governor said his administration has established an electricity regulatory commission and signed about 22 public-private partnership agreements to achieve 2,000 megawatts of additional power generation capacity within three years.
Mr. Sanwo-Olu also mentioned his belief in the ongoing discussions on state policing, hoping that constitutional reforms could strengthen security and economic growth.