Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has declared that Lagos is central to Nigeria’s ambition of becoming a world power, stressing that the state’s long-term development plan is aligned with the country’s economic transformation agenda under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Speaking at the First Distinguished Lecture of 2025 hosted by the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), the Governor explained that the Lagos State Development Plan 2052 is not merely a local policy framework but a strategic national asset. According to him, Lagos possesses all the ingredients needed to drive Nigeria’s aspiration of building a one trillion-dollar economy, including its vast population, thriving commercial activity, growing infrastructure, and strong human capital base.

He outlined four key pillars underpinning the Lagos Development Plan: a thriving economy, modern infrastructure, a human-centric city, and efficient governance. These, he said, are designed to position Lagos as “Africa’s Model Mega City” and a global financial hub that is safe, secure, functional, and productive.

Sanwo-Olu emphasized that cooperation between the federal and state governments is essential in achieving these goals, noting that the transformational policies and innovations being implemented in Lagos will not only elevate the state but also serve as a model for other parts of the country. He maintained that Lagos’s growth trajectory will play a decisive role in projecting Nigeria’s strength and influence on the global stage.