Breaking News: 2025 Council Elections Will Affirm Lagos’ Commitment to Local Government Autonomy, Says Sanwo-Olu

 

The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has pledged that the 2025 council elections will underscore Lagos’ commitment to local government autonomy, reaffirming its role in delivering grassroots governance. The governor made this declaration during the 2025 Annual Thanksgiving Service held at Tafawa Balewa Square on Sunday.

Themed ‘Harvest of Thanksgiving,’ the event provided an opportunity for reflection on the challenges and achievements of 2024 while setting an optimistic tone for the new year. Speaking to the congregation, Governor Sanwo-Olu highlighted how faith and collective effort had led to significant progress in the past year.

“This year 2025, our local government elections will further strengthen the delivery of good governance at the grassroots, and affirm our commitment to ensuring the autonomy of local government in Nigeria, a core plank of the President’s vision for a truly federal Nigeria,” Sanwo-Olu stated.

The governor also commended the economic reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu, acknowledging the short-term difficulties faced by citizens but emphasizing the promising outcomes emerging from these policies. He noted the resulting increase in public revenues, macroeconomic stability, and significant investments across key sectors.

Focus on Infrastructure and Development

Looking ahead, Governor Sanwo-Olu outlined his administration’s focus on transformative projects and policy implementation. Among the highlighted initiatives were:

The New International Airport: Efforts to mobilize financing for this critical infrastructure project continue.

Expansion of the Municipal Rail System: Aimed at enhancing connectivity and easing traffic congestion.

Implementation of the Lagos State Electricity Law of 2024: The law seeks to unbundle the electricity value chain, creating a sustainable electricity market in Lagos State to deliver reliable and affordable power to homes, offices, and industries.

In addition to these flagship projects, the governor reiterated his administration’s ongoing commitment to quality education, healthcare, security, environmental protection, wealth creation, and social investments, particularly in programs targeting women and youth development.

“We will vigorously push ahead with efforts to mobilize the needed financing for ambitious projects like the new International Airport, the expansion of our municipal rail system, and the construction of our food logistics hub. These projects are vital for the continued growth and development of Lagos,” he added.

As Lagos enters 2025, the state government’s ambitious agenda reflects its determination to build a sustainable and inclusive future, reinforcing its position as a leader in governance and development in Nigeria.