
October 30, 2024.
The Lagos Renaissance: How Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is Redefining Governance and Transforming Nigeria’s Commercial Capital – Part 1
Since stepping into office on May 29, 2019, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has led Lagos State through a transformative journey that promises to be a high watermark in Nigeria’s political history. His administration, blending a deep understanding of economic frameworks and public administration, reflects a new era of development, resilience, and progress for the state’s almost 30 million residents. Now in his second term, Governor Sanwo-Olu’s vision has matured into a full-fledged movement aimed at reshaping Lagos into a model of urban dynamism and governance for Nigeria and beyond.
From Banker to Governor: The Business-Driven Leadership of Babajide Sanwo-Olu
With over a decade of experience as a banker and public servant, Sanwo-Olu’s governance is informed by a meticulous, financially astute approach. His tenure at the United Bank for Africa and First Atlantic Bank, as well as his roles in public service, including serving as Special Adviser on Corporate Affairs to the Governor, Hon. Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning and Hon. Commissioner for Establishment and Training and later, Managing Director of the Lagos State Development and Property Corporation (LSDPC), provided him with an economic acumen and a data-driven decision-making style that has proven essential in navigating Lagos’s complex socio-economic landscape.
His experience as a banker shines through in his management of public resources, showcasing prudent fiscal responsibility, innovative revenue generation and impeccable project execution with a clear return on investment. His administration’s efficiency in resource allocation, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, ensured that Lagos maintained critical services and extended welfare initiatives to vulnerable populations during one of the toughest economic periods in recent history.
A Legacy of Continuity: Building on the Lagos Renaissance
Lagos’s metamorphosis began long before Sanwo-Olu, rooted in a legacy dating back to 1999, when former Governor Bola Tinubu, now Nigeria’s President, first laid the groundwork for Lagos as a regional powerhouse. Tinubu’s strategic foresight paved the way for subsequent governors—Babatunde Fashola (2007-2015), Akinwunmi Ambode (2015-2019), and now Babajide Sanwo-Olu—each of whom built upon the last, evolving Lagos’s infrastructure, economy, and public sector efficiency. Sanwo-Olu’s approach, however, stands out as one of the most ambitious and comprehensive visions in the state’s recent history.
By leveraging the groundwork laid by his predecessors, Sanwo-Olu has accelerated Lagos State’s development agenda with unprecedented speed and scale. Today, the city is a hub of infrastructure projects, social programs, and technological advancements, embodying his PROJECT THEMES – FOR A GREATER LAGOS vision, now PROJECT THEMES PLUS – GREATER LAGOS RISING.
PROJECT THEMES PLUS: A Multi-Faceted Development Agenda
Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration is underpinned by PROJECT THEMES PLUS, which focuses on critical sectors such as transportation, health, education, technology, the economy, arts, culture and entertainment, security, good governance, and gender inclusion.
Among his landmark achievements, the completion of the Lagos Blue and Red Line rail projects stands out. Now operational, these urban rail lines are historic milestones, being the first of their kind in West Africa. The rail system directly addresses Lagos’s notorious traffic congestion and aligns with Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to enhancing urban mobility  .
Healthcare Excellence: The New Massey Street Children’s Hospital
One of the most ambitious healthcare initiatives under Sanwo-Olu’s administration is the redevelopment of the Massey Street Children’s Hospital. Set to become the largest children’s hospital in sub-Saharan Africa, this seven-story, 150-bed facility is designed with cutting-edge pediatric care facilities, an Independent Power Plant (IPP), and a ten-floor multi-level car park to manage patient and visitor flow. This project exemplifies Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to not only upgrading healthcare infrastructure but also to building sustainable, resilient healthcare facilities. Expected to be completed by mid-2025, this hospital is positioned to be a landmark of pediatric healthcare in Africa.  
Under Sanwo-Olu’s watch, Lagos isn’t simply evolving; it’s being reborn. Every initiative—every rail line, hospital upgrade, and economic lifeline—is driven by a relentless urgency to build a “Greater Lagos” for all. The Governor has set his sights high, breathing new life into a city of almost 30 million, determined to make good on every promise made to its people.
To be continued…
Henry Balogun
HB Report
The411
