The City of Lagos, proudly known as the “Centre of Excellence,” embodies the impressive strides the state has made over the years. Whether this title is rightly or wrongly claimed is up for debate, but it is undeniable that Lagos has been a focal point for growth and development in Nigeria.
Through a series of committed administrations, Lagos State has cemented itself as an economic powerhouse, ranking as the fourth-largest economy among subnational entities in Africa. The state has made bold investments, including the establishment of two intercity rail lines—the Blue and Red lines—that together transport between 250,000 and 500,000 passengers daily. These railways are crucial lifelines for the city, easing the commuting burden on residents and supporting the economy by facilitating efficient transport.
The economic landscape continues to expand, and the Lekki Deep Sea Port is a testament to the state’s ambition. Complementing the Apapa and other ports in the country, the Lekki Deep Sea Port aims to make Lagos a major trade and logistics hub in West Africa. Alongside these achievements, Lagos also boasts the largest private refinery in Africa, bringing much-needed revenue and boosting the state’s industrial profile. This impressive portfolio positions Lagos as a model for other states, not just in Nigeria but across Africa.
With an estimated population nearing 25 million—roughly half of West Africa—Lagos is a thriving metropolis. Many Nigerians have come to see Lagos as a welcoming home, a beacon of opportunity and ambition. The city’s designation as a “Mega City” is not just a nominal title but an earned one. However, this mega-city status, while befitting the population and the economic capacity, also brings to light significant gaps and challenges.
The purpose of this article is not to disparage any individual or administration but rather to emphasise the work that lies ahead. I am calling upon the government, particularly the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to recognize the urgent tasks that need attention. For a city of Lagos’s size and income, the expectations are high, and achieving the status of a truly remarkable mega city will require substantial dedication and resources.
Three critical areas need immediate focus and decisive action: environmental sanitation, transportation infrastructure, and traffic regulation.
In the area of environmental sanitation and cleanliness, the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Phillip Wahab, deserves commendation for his leadership in setting high standards for environmental laws and regulations. However, sanitation and cleanliness across Lagos are still in dire need of improvement. Driving into the Island from Oyingbo Market through Iddo to Outer Marina presents an unsightly and disappointing view. Areas around Apongbon Bridge and its surroundings have turned into makeshift settlements, contributing to the litter and general disorder that detract from the city’s aesthetic and health standards. The government’s vision of urban regeneration for Lagos Island must prioritise cleanliness, particularly in the Lagos Business District, to align the city’s physical reality with its self-styled “Centre of Excellence” moniker.
The problem of waste extends beyond Lagos Island. A recent visitor who joined me on a drive from Ibeju Lekki to the Island was shocked at the sight of the road median littered with refuse. Communities along the Lekki-Epe Expressway have taken to dumping garbage on the median, creating an unsightly and hazardous stretch. This issue has persisted for over three years, posing a risk of health issues such as cholera. Although Ibeju Lekki Local Government has made commendable efforts to dissuade residents from this practice, state support is urgently needed. The state must revive initiatives like Operation Make Lagos Clean and increase collaboration with the Lagos Waste Management Authority, and private sector operators. With a growing population, the capacity of LAWMA and the number of Private Sector Partnership operators must be scaled up, as many of their vehicles are now outdated and frequently break down, hampering waste collection.
Additionally, more refuse dumps are needed across the city, and these must be cleared daily to prevent the buildup of garbage. Sanctions should be strictly enforced against communities and individuals who flout sanitation regulations. The message must be clear: Lagosians deserve a clean environment, and the state must lead the charge to make this a reality.
As concerning transportation infrastructure and traffic Congestion, the commute across Lagos has become a nightmare, as motorists and commuters face lengthy delays due to the poor condition of major roads. A key example is the road stretching from Bonny Camp to Ajah, a critical route that is now riddled with potholes and in desperate need of repair. A journey that should take 30 to 40 minutes routinely takes hours, causing frustration and productivity losses. The intermittent patchwork repairs on this route are no longer effective and ultimately waste public funds. This stretch of road, which connects several high-value neighborhoods, requires a complete resurfacing to improve driving conditions.
Another crucial infrastructure project is the regional road, which the Lagos State Government flagged off with a promised completion timeline of 18 months. However, the project appears to have stalled, leaving motorists with limited alternatives and increasing congestion on the already overburdened Lekki-Epe Expressway. By prioritizing and completing this regional road, the government can provide residents with an additional commuting option, reducing travel time and decongesting existing routes.
Crucially, The enforcement of traffic laws is another major concern, particularly for commercial vehicles such as buses, tricycles, and motorcycles. Despite existing regulations, these vehicles frequently disregard traffic laws, contributing to chaotic road conditions. There appears to be a double standard in enforcement, as the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority police, and other regulatory agencies seem focused primarily on penalizing private car owners while neglecting the behavior of commercial drivers. This lack of accountability undermines efforts to create a safe and orderly environment for all road users.
For Lagos to truly earn its mega-city status, a sense of order must prevail on the roads. Commercial transport operators should be held to the same standards as private motorists. Strict enforcement of traffic laws, coupled with public awareness campaigns, can instill a culture of compliance and mutual respect on the roads. Law enforcement agencies must prioritize the equitable enforcement of regulations to ensure that everyone abides by the rules, fostering a sense of responsibility among all road users.
In conclusion, Lagos has the resources, population, and ambition needed to become a truly remarkable mega city. However, reaching that potential will require collective action from both the government and the citizenry. Environmental cleanliness, well-maintained infrastructure, and consistent enforcement of laws are not just the government’s responsibility; they are essential components of a functioning society.
Residents, too, have a role to play in maintaining the city’s cleanliness, obeying traffic rules, and respecting public spaces. We must all remember that the image and reputation of Lagos depend on the actions of each individual. The government’s commitment to making Lagos a livable, sustainable city must be matched by citizens’ willingness to contribute to these efforts.
Lagos has the potential to be a model city, not just for Nigeria, but for Africa as a whole. With deliberate steps toward environmental management, infrastructure development, and consistent enforcement of laws, the city can finally live up to its name as the Centre of Excellence—a title that every Lagosian can wear with pride.
- Seweje writes from [email protected]
