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Tag: Lagos State

  • Resource control: FG not fair to Lagos state, says expert

    Resource control: FG not fair to Lagos state, says expert

    An international business and management expert, Moruf Oladimeji, has said that the federal government has not been fair to Lagos State regarding the quantum of revenue generated from the state into the Value Added Tax (VAT) pool and what it receives in return, stating that this is unfair and not commensurate.

    Highlighting the peculiar status of Lagos as the sixth largest megacity globally and the largest in Africa, according to the United Nations, with over 22 million people as of 2024, Oladimeji pointed out that the state significantly contributes to the nation’s economic growth, citing the projected N2.75 trillion to the VAT pool in 2024, which accounts for 54% to 56% of total contributions and surpasses the cumulative contribution of the other 35 states and Abuja.

    He, however, lamented that despite these huge contributions, the federal government fell short of expectations and ironically allocated N460 billion to Lagos as VAT share, representing about 26.78% of its revenue generated as of 2024.

    Oladimeji, who is a professor of International business and management, stated this yesterday while delivering the 123rd inaugural lecture of Olabisi Onabanjo University, OOU, Ago-Iwoye, titled ‘International Business and Management: Debunking Myths and Unveiling Truths In the Nigerian Context.’

    He expressed the hope that with the current tax reforms initiated by the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Federal Government, there would be a provision to address the unfair and non-commensurate VAT share allocation to Lagos State.

    He noted that the debate on resource control has persisted, dating back to the pre-independence era, stressing that if resource control were to be fairly implemented, it would enable States within the federation to achieve self-sustainability and rely minimally or not on federal allocations.

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    However, as part of his recommendations, he urged Nigerians, particularly young entrepreneurs, to launch into export business, leveraging the newly established Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, saying the idea that exporting requires significant capital investment is a myth and not a fact.

    The professor revealed that aside from the profitability and numerous export opportunities that require minimal capital for those who may not have substantial funds to invest in large quantities, he said it is feasible to begin export business with as little as N1,000,000.00 and still achieve profitability.

    He said, “Many people hold the belief that finding international buyers for Nigerian goods is difficult due to the misconception that there is minimal interest in our products overseas. This is far from accurate, as numerous global buyers are keen to acquire Nigerian goods.

    “Products such as traditional medicine and palm oil are well-received worldwide. The main obstacle lies in the insufficient marketing of these items. Insights from credible sources who have travelled extensively revealed that many consumers favour Nigerian products because they are often more affordable than local options.”

  • Lagos marks 39 buildings for demolition over encroachment

    Lagos marks 39 buildings for demolition over encroachment

    The Lagos State Government has marked 39 buildings in Eti-Osa Local Government Area, for demolition over encroachment on the Right of Way (RoW).Commissioner For Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, made this known while speaking with journalists after a drainage enforcement inspection visit to Ikota River yesterday.

    Wahab said the buildings would be demolished because of their encroachment on the RoW of Ikota Riverbank.

    He also issued indefinite quit notices to occupants of the affected properties, urging them to vacate and relocate their belongings before the demolition exercise begins.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the affected buildings are in Oral Extension Estate and Westend, Mega Mond Estate at the Lekki axis of the state.

    Tokunbo said 18 out of the 39 marked buildings were set for total demolition, adding that eight were for partial removal, while 13 other buildings would be completely brought down.

    “We received several complaints. We have been on this for a while.

    “We found out at the ministry level that while we were engaging to find a win-win solution that would mitigate environmental impact without heavily affecting the residents, some developers continued pushing back the RoW and altering the alignment of the Ikota River.

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    “So, we had a digital footprint of the situation, and we had to come there. What we met on the ground is not good at all,” he said.

    He added that the ministry had previously visited Oral Estate, saying that the situation was far worse than what was observed last year.

    The commissioner, however, faulted some developers of continuing construction while engaging the government in talks for a resolution.

    “We need to keep telling our people. You don’t put money over humanity. What they are doing is about self-interest, and it’s painful.

    “For some of those who developed those places, I am going to keep telling them that this is not going to work.

    “But bear in mind, you can’t also let people go through pain. Those tenants like you saw, it was emotional for some of us here.

  • Lagos seeks Smart Farming to enhance food sustainability

    Lagos seeks Smart Farming to enhance food sustainability

    Lagos State government through the State Agricultural Development Authority, LSADA has called for the need to embrace technology-driven agricultural production processes towards enhancing and sustaining food security.

    The agency made the call during the 2025 Pre-Season training organised for agric extension agents, enumerators, farmers’ group representatives, among others, with the theme “AI Powered Urban Agriculture in Lagos State: Enhancing Agricultural Extension Services for Increased Food Production.”

    While declaring the training open, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, said the training was designed to equip field officers with knowledge on the objectives and methodologies of management training plots, demonstrations, and on-farm adaptive research planned for the year

    Olusanya who acknowledged the pivotal role the extension officers play in the agric space, canvassed for their adequate welfare packages and enjoined them to explore the social media platforms to push their numerable activities to the world.”

     AI or not AI, what is the most important for me is the people who are supposed to be the one to deploy whatever technology that will be required by our farmers. The people must be in the right frame of mind” she said

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    Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture and Food Systems, Dr Oluwarotimi Fashola, said the gatherings offerred opportunity to strengthen the backbone of Lagos State’s agricultural sector, the farmers as well as extension officers.

    Fashola maintained that Lagos is building a future where technology and tradition work hand in hand to feed the growing population.

    He said: “Agriculture is no longer solely about manual labour and traditional methods; it is about intelligence, efficiency, and adaptability. In a fast-changing world, the integration of Artificial Intelligence into agriculture is no longer a choice it is an imperative.

    “Today, smart agriculture is driving food systems globally. Technologies such as Al are enabling predictive farming, climate-resilient crop management, and optimised resource use. In Lagos, a state defined by its energy, dynamism, and innovation, it is only fitting that we lead Nigeria’s transition into a new era of agritech-driven food production.

  • Lagos signs MoU with firm to expand water supply infrastructure

    Lagos signs MoU with firm to expand water supply infrastructure

    Lagos State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with an international consortium company, Belstar and ENKA, for the rehabilitation and expansion of water supply infrastructure across the state.

    Speaking after the signing in Alausa, Ikeja, yesterday, Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, said the collaboration aimed to address critical water infrastructure challenges.

    “This project entails construction, rehabilitation and installation of water treatment facilities, as well as distribution networks to provide reliable and sustainable water supply to underserved communities,” he said.

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    Wahab said the initiative would include establishment of new waterworks to ease distribution challenges, noting that the state government would ensure full compliance with all relevant regulations, including social and safety standards.

    He said the project was divided into two components: the Brownfield, which involved the rehabilitation of existing waterworks, and the Greenfield, which covered the construction of entirely new facilities in various parts of the state.

  • Fitch upgrades Lagos State to stable

    Fitch upgrades Lagos State to stable

    • Kaduna, Kogi, Oyo also highly rated

    Lagos has got a clean bill of health on its economy – courtesy of Fitch Ratings.

    The internationally renowned rating Agency has upgraded the Long-Term Foreign and Local-Currency Issuer Default Ratings (IDRs) of Lagos, Kaduna, Kogi, and Oyo states from ‘B-’ to ‘B’.

    This is a big boost for investors’ confidence and a testimony to the strength of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda – the six-pillar economic plan of the Governor’s administration.

    According to information posted on the Agency’s website, the outlook for all four states remains stable. The rating follows the upgrade of Nigeria’s sovereign rating to ‘B’ from ‘B-’ on April 11, 2025, reflecting improved macroeconomic stability and policy reforms.

    Fitch, in line with its rating criteria, mirrored the sovereign upgrade in the affected States, given the predominant role of the federal government in Nigeria’s intergovernmental fiscal system.

    The remarkable rating comes two days after Mr. Sanwo-Olu told a group of Harvard students of the great potential of the State for investments.

    The information on Fitch’s website reads, “We consider the Federal Government’s role predominant in intergovernmental relations, as it controls the equalisation mechanism enacted through a system of transfers to States. Therefore, the upgrade of sovereign IDRs is mirrored in the upgrade of those of Lagos, Kaduna, Kogi, and Oyo, as their Standalone Credit Profiles (SCPs) align with or are above the ratings of Nigeria,” Fitch noted.

    The Agency noted that by the end of Y2023, 50% of Lagos State’s direct debt was denominated in foreign currencies, highlighting a notable exposure to currency fluctuations. However, despite this, Fitch projects Lagos’s payback ratio to remain strong at around five times by the end of Y2028.

    Read Also: Management, Lagos State-owned media workers’ unions meet today

    The Agency stated unequivocally that Lagos’s fiscal resilience is underpinned by its exceptional Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), which accounts for 75% of its total operating revenue, far exceeding the national average of 25%.

    “Supported by this strong revenue base, Lagos is also expected to record a budget surplus in Y2024”, it added.

    It must be emphasised that the current rating underpins the State’s strong capacity to service its financial obligations owing to its stronger operating performance driven by IGR, which makes Lagos an outlier in the national context.

    Of the rating, Governor Sanwo-Olu said:”It is a good verdict on our performance – in terms of policy decisions and projects execution. It is also a call for us to be more active; we will be in every sector. I thank Lagosians for their support.”

  • Council chiefs root for indigene as chair

    Council chiefs root for indigene as chair

    Ikeja Traditional Council in Lagos State has called on the leadership of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ikeja to nominate an indigene as chairmanship candidate.

    The call was made at a  meeting in Olu of Ikeja’s Palace.

    The gathering, presided over by Adele Oba (Regent) of Ikeja, Prince Isiaq Apena, witnessed the presence of prominent traditional chiefs and community leaders in the council.

    The chiefs pledged their support to any qualified son chosen to continue the achievements of incumbent Chair, Alabi Balogun.

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    Apena and others appealed to President Bola Tinubu—an indigene of Ikeja—to back their demand, stressing the importance of preserving local heritage and ensuring self-representation in governance.

    “We believe the time has come for our people to take the lead. Ikeja has been peaceful, resilient, and supportive of every democratic process—even during EndSARS protests when other areas witnessed unrest,” Apena said.

    The traditional council emphasized that allowing a non-indigene to take the helm of the local government would be unacceptable, labeling such individuals as “interlopers” with no deep-rooted interest in the progress and traditions of the community.

  • Multistream stages rally for seminar

    Multistream stages rally for seminar

    Multistream Empowerment and Wellness Summit billed for Badagry in Lagos State on Saturday is gathering momentum.

    The Team Leader and Business Adviser of Multistream for the event, Shamseedeen Salami, told reporters that there would be a Mega Grand and Assured Prosperity Rally today and tomorrow to create more awareness for the event.

    He said many of the team leaders were warming up to educate the people and make them understand the motive behind the seminar slated for Badagry Theatre Hall.

    “We are going to start with the short distance rally on Thursday (today) and we will move to the venue. Along the line, we will talk to the people and also give our flyers for them to have better understanding of the Jinja product and the benefit they can derive from Jinja.

    Read Also: Tinubu to world leaders: time for climate action is now

    “On Friday, we will start from the Badagry roundabout and embark on a long distance rally to the venue, Badagry Theatre Hall. We expect a good turnout since many people in the city are aware of the seminar already,” Salami added.

    He said the Chairman of Badagry Local Government, Olusegun Onilude, has been invited as a special guest.

    A letter sent to the local government boss was signed by the Badagry Service Centre Coordinator of Multistream TM Limited, Mrs Dorcas Onala.

    The Liaison Officer to Ogun State Government on Local Government Matters, Alex Obanla, is expected to be at the event. The Chairman, Lagos State Public Service Club, Badagry Annex, Mr. John Joseph, is also expected to be in attendance.

  • Lagos urges college to spearhead digital transformation

    Lagos urges college to spearhead digital transformation

    Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Mrs Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, has urged the Lagos State Cooperative College (LASCOCO) to spearhead digital transformation and poverty alleviation through cooperative innovation, capacity building and technology integration.

    Speaking yesterday during the inauguration of the institution’s Governing Council in Alausa, Ikeja, she emphasised the college’s strategic role in driving economic inclusion and societal progress.

    The commissioner said: “LASCOCO is about empowering communities. Economic transformation is what you stand for. But it all comes down to leadership—vision defines the ‘what’ and ‘why’, while mission is about the ‘how’. You must first be clear about your objectives before defining how to achieve them.”

    Read Also: Tinubu to world leaders: time for climate action is now

    She stressed the need to align cooperative activities with societal needs, especially poverty reduction.

    She said the ministry was driving reforms that would link access to affordable finance with cooperative membership, ‘’which is expected to increase LASCOCO’s enrolment and data capacity.’’

    LASCOCO Provost, Mr Akorede Ojomu, hailed Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for bringing the college to life.

    The newly appointed Board Chairman, Mr Oyebowale Raji, pledged the council’s commitment to LASCOCO’s growth and reform.

  • Lagos police not wrong in Alabi Quadri’s case, says CP

    Lagos police not wrong in Alabi Quadri’s case, says CP

    •’Boy was 18’

    Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, has defended the handling of the controversial case involving teenage robbery suspect, Quadri Alabi, stating that the police relied on the suspect’s statement in which he claimed to be 18 years.

    Speaking in a televised interview, Jimoh clarified that the police acted based on the information provided by Alabi during his arrest. “We have a case file where anybody alleged of an offence will make a statement. The boy stated that he is 18 years old, and it was recorded,” the commissioner said.

    He further noted that Alabi was not under duress when he wrote his statement at the police station.

    This follows public backlash after Alabi’s lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, presented a birth certificate in court, indicating that Alabi was born in September 2007, making him 17 and, therefore, a minor.

    Jimoh responded to questions about the birth certificate, stating, “The birth certificate that the lawyer is parading should be investigated.”

    Addressing criticism over the suspect’s detention beyond the constitutionally allowed 24 to 48 hours, Jimoh insisted that due process was followed. “The register I checked yesterday showed he was brought in a day before being taken to court,” he said, denying claims that Alabi was held for seven days before arraignment.

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    The CP also addressed concerns that the police misrepresented facts about Alabi’s age in public statements. “If we have an official complaint that contradicts what the suspect gave us, of course we will look into it. But, nobody came forward to challenge the information he gave us until the issue came up in court,” he added.

    Addressing claims that Alabi’s ordeal was politically motivated, particularly due to his public support for a former presidential candidate, Jimoh stated, “We should not politicise crime. Crime is crime. We are professionals and we will do our job, no matter who is involved.”

    When asked if the police would apologise to Alabi and his family if the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) advice confirmed he had no case to answer, Jimoh did not commit to an apology but noted that the police had not yet received a directive to discontinue prosecution. He emphasised that the police would await official instructions before taking further steps.

  • Renewed Hope Agenda: Group rallies Somolu residents on development plan

    Renewed Hope Agenda: Group rallies Somolu residents on development plan

    A group, SomoLondon Movement has rallied all residents in Somolu Local Government Area in Lagos State on its plans to open up the LGA for robust development initiatives.

    The Movement, according to its Convener, Gbenga Abdulai said, the plans were in tandem with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    Participants for the submit drawn across various sub sectors gathered to discuss a 10-year development blue for the local government. 

    National Union Of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, represented by

    Olawale Jayeola, lamented lack of designated garages and parks in Somolu, which according to him, causes congestion and indiscriminate parking in the area.

    Jayeola said apart from the risk posed by indiscriminate parking, lack of designated garages also made his members vulnerable to incessant crack down by officials of the Lagos State Traffic Taskforce,adding” this way, we are made to suffer consequences of a problem we did not create.”

    In their respective submissions at the Summit, representative of Market Associations, Chief Mrs Olufojude and her counterpart representing People With Disability, PWD, Ladipo Oluwakemi said though they were impressed by the strides of President Tinubu in the area of grassroots development, there was still need need for more inclusivity.

    According to them, it is only through inclusivity that their members and the masses can be carried along and encouraged to contribute to the process of nation building and grassroots development.

    In his response, Abdulai, said SomoLondon Movement had encapsulated sustainable solutions in its 10-year Development Plan to ameliorate various socio-economic problems in Somolu.

    Abdulai said, the 10-year Development plan designed by his team contained measures to crash food prices, reduce cost of accomodation, equip schools with state-of the-art laboratories, and improve road networks, among other things in the local government area.

    He added that the needs have been identified to set up Somolu Local Government Governing Advisory Council and Somolu Stakeholders Monitoring Group. 

    He noted that the former would comprise of political leaders to advice the Chairman on the implementation of programmes as is the case with Lagos State while the latter made of representatives of the various socio-economic groups, would monitor project implementation and hold the Chairman accountable on his campaign promises. 

    Abdulai also added that his group would involve in massive Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in all sectors, particularly, the education sector.

    He said requirement for all-session supply of stationery, especially exercise books to schools could be met through collaborations between the local government and corporate organizations.

    Abdulai said feasibility survey carried out by SomoLondon Movement revealed that corporate bodies, especially banks would always be willing to support the local government in the area of stationery supplies to schools, if given the opportunity.

    “We can ensure that each child gets the quantity of exercise books he requires for each session with the support of corporate organizations. All we need do is to allow these corporate bodies promote their interest by branding the exercise books and they would be willing to fund production of the stationery.

    “So the government does not have to provide budget for production of exercise books nor would parents have to bear the financial stress of procuring exercise books for their children.

    “It’s going to be win-win for all the stakeholders, especially government and parents, considering the way rising cost of production has shot up prices of stationery.”

    The group’s lead also identified skill acquisition as one of the measures for poverty reduction in the society.

    He said appropriate focus must be placed on the welfare of apprentice artisans to reduce the rate of truancy or malingering in the course of training.

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    He said apprentice artisans also deserved free feeding like their counterparts in schools, adding that this is one practical way of actualizing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’ s Renewed Hope Agenda for youth development through efficient skill acquisition.

    Meanwhile, the group has received commendations from various political leaders.

    The group was hailed for the quality and ingenuity of various ideas in its 10-year Integrated development plan for Somolu.

    Former Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Local Government And Chieftaincy Affairs and Chairman of the Summit, Prince Bayo Osiyemi said Abdulai and his team of technocrats have demonstrated deep understanding of the various problems confronting grassroots development and solutions to them.

    In his remark, a political leader, Somolu/Bariga Federal Constituencies, Apostle Peter Oyewusi commended Abdulai and his team for raising the bar for grassroots development strategies.