Benjamin OMOIKE I Sunday, Oct.26, 2025
LAGOS, NIGERIA —Lagos State, Nigeria’s commercial nerve centre, has announced an 80 per cent performance in the implementation of its N3.366 trillion (approximately $2.3 billion) 2025 budget, according to the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso.
Speaking over the weekend while reviewing the state’s fiscal position and ongoing infrastructure projects, Mr. Omotoso noted that the figure represents the cumulative performance as of October, a slight increase from the 79 per cent recorded at the end of September.
”As of September, it was about 79 per cent, but it’s now over 80 per cent. In terms of revenue, we are doing very well.
Capital projects have also achieved around 80 per cent performance,” the commissioner stated.
Infrastructure Push and Community Collaboration
Mr. Omotoso expressed satisfaction with the pace of infrastructural development across the state, asserting that the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has positively impacted “every community.”
He highlighted the government’s approach of partnering with local councils on key community development initiatives, particularly in road construction, school rehabilitation, and housing projects.
”At one point, local governments were mandated to build a specific number of roads, while the state government matched their efforts. That collaboration has transformed communities,” Omotoso said.
The commissioner cited the improved connectivity and living standards in various outlying areas. “People now want to live in Badagry, Ikorodu, and Igbogbo. One of our best housing estates is in Igbogbo, and we have built over 15 jetties serving these communities. You can now travel from Ikorodu to Lagos Island in less than 30 minutes,” he added, emphasizing the benefits of the government’s investment in water transportation.
Demolitions at Trade Fair Not ‘Targeted’
Meanwhile, the state government moved to address growing controversy surrounding the recent demolition exercise at the Trade Fair Complex, dismissing claims that the action was aimed at any particular ethnic or religious group.
Mr. Omotoso described such suggestions as “unfounded and misleading,” maintaining that the demolitions were strictly a matter of law enforcement.
”It’s terrible and absurd for anyone to make such suggestions. Governor Sanwo-Olu has governed Lagos for nearly six years without any record of discrimination—whether by religion, ethnicity, or any other factor. Lagosians are one people,” he stated.
The commissioner clarified that the structures affected were illegal constructions erected without valid building permits, a requirement he stressed is mandatory under both Lagos law and international urban planning practices.
He pointed to the Supreme Court’s 2003 judgment in Attorney-General of Lagos State vs. Attorney-General of the Federation, which affirmed that only state governments have the authority to issue building permits, even for land belonging to the federal government.
”You can’t just build skyscrapers without approval and turn the place into a slum.
The law must be respected,” Omotoso maintained, stressing that unregulated construction poses significant risks to public safety and urban planning integrity.
