Lagos guber: APC’s Hamzat pledges decentralised governance if elected

Lagos governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Obafemi Hamzat, has pledged to decentralise government services and develop the economic potential of the state’s five divisions as part of his plan to build a more interconnected Lagos.

Hamzat, who is also the state’s deputy governor, made the pledge during engagements with stakeholders in Ikorodu and leaders of the Muslim community in Lagos at the weekend.

He said his administration would seek to make government services more accessible by reducing the need for residents in distant parts of the state to travel to Alausa for routine government business.

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At a meeting with Muslim leaders led by Chief Imam Oluwatoyin Abou-Nolla, Hamzat solicited their support for his governorship bid and received prayers for his success at the polls.

He was accompanied by his campaign manager, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro; a party elder, Alhaji Mutiu Are; the Special Adviser on Works, Dr Adekunle Olayinka; Senator Ganiyu Solomon and other party chieftains.

Hamzat also urged the Muslim community to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, describing him as the best option for Nigeria.

Speaking later on IKD 106.1 FM during a programme titled, “KOH Unscripted in Ikorodu,” Hamzat said Lagos needed a deliberate development strategy that recognised the different economic strengths of its five divisions — Ikeja, Badagry, Ikorodu, Lagos Island and Epe, collectively known as IBILE.

He said the proposed decentralisation would include the establishment of mini-secretariats in some divisions, particularly Ikorodu, Badagry and Epe.

“We must decentralise Lagos. Alausa should not be the only place where people can access government services,” Hamzat said.

“We should have mini-secretariats in Ikorodu, Badagry and Epe, so that perhaps 80 per cent of the services people need can be resolved within their divisions, while matters requiring further attention can be escalated to Alausa.”

According to him, bringing government offices closer to communities would improve access to public services and reduce the time and cost residents incur travelling to the state secretariat.

Hamzat said each division should also be developed around its comparative economic advantage, with government deliberately creating infrastructure and policies to support local economic activities.

He identified Ikorodu’s potential in agriculture, food processing and transportation, saying infrastructure would be developed around emerging institutions and economic activities across the state.

The APC candidate also called for a reorganisation of local government administration, saying reforms should address both the physical and financial structures of councils.

He said effective administrative systems were necessary to strengthen accountability, prevent leakages and address problems such as the existence of ghost workers.

On transportation, Hamzat said Lagos required an integrated network linking road, rail and water transportation to make movement across the state easier.
He outlined plans for major transport interchanges that would connect buses, rail and ferries, linking areas such as Ikorodu, Badore, Victoria Island and Marina.

“Lagos is a city blessed with water,” he said, stressing the need for the state to make greater use of its waterways alongside road and rail infrastructure.
Hamzat disclosed that 77 electric buses, including 30- and 40-seater models, were being introduced into the state’s transport system.

He said the adoption of electric vehicles could reduce operating costs associated with diesel and petrol and, ultimately, contribute to more affordable transportation for commuters.

On healthcare, Hamzat said the state’s growing population required a corresponding expansion of medical infrastructure.

He specifically mentioned the expansion of Ikorodu General Hospital and other major hospitals, adding that the plan would cover not only hospital buildings but also accommodation for doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers.

He said adequate housing for health workers was necessary to attract and retain professionals and ensure that hospitals could provide quality services to residents.

The deputy governor also acknowledged challenges with water supply, noting that Lagos relied partly on water sources located in neighbouring Ogun State.

He said cooperation and appropriate compensation arrangements with the neighbouring state were necessary, while the completion of the Adiyan water project and associated pipeline infrastructure would increase water supply capacity and extend access to more residents.

Hamzat further argued that Lagos should be planned as a metropolitan area whose infrastructure takes account of the movement of people beyond the state’s administrative boundaries.

He cited Orile Agege General Hospital as an example, saying a significant number of patients using the facility come from outside Lagos.

Such realities, he said, should inform planning for healthcare, transportation, water supply and other public infrastructure.

He assured stakeholders that development under his administration would be inclusive, with the needs and economic opportunities of the different divisions incorporated into government planning.

Hamzat also appealed for greater participation by citizens and private organisations in the development of the state.

“Individuals and organisations in developed countries contribute to education and other areas of development. So we as citizens of this great nation must see ourselves as partners in building a better society,” he said.