Leaders Mail Magazine, Top Performing Governors Special Edition
Governing Nigeria’s commercial capital means managing growth, congestion and expectations at a scale few states face. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who won a second term in the 18 March 2023 election, has organised his administration around the THEMES+ Agenda, a six-pillar development plan covering transportation, health, education, the economy and related sectors.
Transforming Transportation
Rail is the administration’s most visible legacy. Its supporters point to the commissioning of the Blue Line in 2023 and the Red Line in 2024, along with expanded BRT corridors and road rehabilitation across the state’s five divisions. The transport commissioner says more than 3.5 million passengers have used the Blue Line since operations began, and Phase II from Mile 2 to Okokomaiko is underway, with track, station and power work ongoing. Further projects scheduled for 2026 include the Green and Purple Rail Lines and the Lekki Water Taxi initiative.
Food Security and the Economy
Beyond transport, the administration cites regional economic planning. One example is the Produce for Lagos agreement with Niger State, described as a regional economic strategy rather than a standalone project. The governor has also said the ₦4 trillion 2026 budget will drive the completion and commissioning of key infrastructure in his final full year.
Challenges and the Road Ahead
Lagos remains a city of hard problems, and critics say progress is uneven. The opposition PDP has accused the administration of failing to prepare adequately for the rainy season, worsening flooding, and residents in areas such as Ejigbo have appealed for action on recurring floods. Urban enforcement has also been contested. The government says demolitions are necessary for flood control, security and environmental protection, while advocacy groups have raised concerns about notice periods, due process, compensation and resettlement. The governor has defended the Makoko demolitions as necessary to avert potential future tragedies, and has pledged support for those affected.
Conclusion
Governor Sanwo-Olu’s tenure will be remembered for its rail and transport projects and for its efforts to plan the state’s economy. As his time in office enters its final stretch, the test is whether those gains reach every Lagosian and whether flooding, housing and urban renewal are handled fairly. This edition of Top Performing Governors takes stock of that record.