Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State says he has 343 days left to complete his constitutionally allowed eight-year tenure, pledging to end his administration with sustained commitment and focus.
He made the remark during the Geo-Economic Optimisation Summit 2026 organised by the Citadel School of Government, founded by Pastor Tunde Bakare, on Saturday.
Delivering the keynote address, Sanwo-Olu noted he had spent 2,579 days in office since assuming duty on May 29, 2019.
“By the grace of God, I have 343 days left in office and I intend to spend every one of them with the same passion, determination and spirit of service with which I began,” he said.
The governor said the awareness of his nearing exit has strengthened his resolve to “finish strong” and consolidate ongoing reforms across the state.
He is currently serving his second term after winning re-election in 2023, and will conclude his tenure on May 29, 2027.
Sanwo-Olu described Lagos as a sub-national economy carrying national responsibilities, with economic weight comparable to sovereign states.
He said Lagos contributes about one-third of Nigeria’s GDP and ranks as Africa’s second-largest metropolitan economy after Cairo, Egypt.
“Lagos is a sub-national economy that carries the weight of a nation.
“We contribute roughly a third of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product, ” he said.
According to him, Lagos’ growth is driven by finance, technology, logistics, trade, creative industries and the emerging blue economy.
He added that the state’s coastal location positions it as Nigeria’s gateway to global commerce and regional trade under AfCFTA frameworks.
“Geoeconomics is the deliberate use of economic instruments such as trade, investment, infrastructure, finance, technology and talent to secure prosperity and influence,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu stressed stronger regional collaboration with South-West states through initiatives such as the Odu’a Group and the DAWN Commission.
He said Lagos’ prosperity remains tied to broader regional development, adding that “when Lagos works, Nigeria works the better for it.”
The governor highlighted major infrastructure projects shaping Lagos’ economic profile, including the Lekki Deep Sea Port, Dangote Refinery and Lekki Free Zone.
He also listed the Blue and Red Rail Lines as key transport investments improving mobility and productivity across the state.
“The Blue Line and the Red Line are already carrying Lagosians on safe electric mass transit,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu noted that Lagos has become Africa’s leading start-up hub, attracting venture capital and producing more tech unicorns than any other African city.
He also pointed to the creative sector, including Nollywood, Afrobeats, fashion and literature, as major drivers of cultural influence.
The state is investing in projects such as the restoration of the National Theatre and a planned Lagos Film City in Epe.
Despite progress, he acknowledged pressure from rapid urbanisation, with Lagos’ population rising from under one million in 1960 to over 24 million today.
“Our infrastructure deficit remains vast,” he said, citing housing, transport and service delivery challenges.
Sanwo-Olu renewed calls for a constitutional special status for Lagos, arguing the state carries disproportionate national responsibilities.
“We continue to press the case for a special status designation for Lagos,” he said.
Looking ahead, he said Lagos is focused on transport expansion, climate resilience, digital governance and long-term sustainable growth.
“At the end of the 343 days, I will take a bow,” he said, “but until then, I will continue to serve with passion.”
Pastor Tunde Bakare described Lagos as a model for sub-national development, citing its leadership, planning and economic structure as key lessons for other states.
