Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has said he has 343 days remaining in his constitutionally approved eight-year tenure, pledging to intensify efforts to deliver on his administration’s goals before leaving office.
He remarked while delivering the keynote address at the Geo-Economic Optimisation Summit 2026, organised by the Citadel School of Government in Lagos, founded by Pastor Tunde Bakare.
Sanwo-Olu, who assumed office on May 29, 2019 and secured re-election in 2023, is expected to complete his second term on May 29, 2027.
“I Will Finish Strong” — Sanwo-Olu
Speaking on the theme “From South-West Nigeria to the Globe: Lagos State as a Geoeconomic Hub,” the governor said the countdown to his exit has strengthened his resolve to remain focused in his final months in office.
“Today marks my 2,579th day in service… 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.
He added that the reality of his tenure nearing its end has further motivated him to consolidate ongoing projects and deepen development across the state.
Sanwo-Olu described Lagos as a “sub-national economy carrying the weight of a nation,” noting that the state contributes about one-third of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and ranks as Africa’s second-largest metropolitan economy after Cairo.
He said Lagos’ growth is driven by a diversified economy spanning finance, technology, logistics, trade, creative industries, and the blue economy, supported by its strategic coastal location.
“Geoeconomics is the deliberate use of economic instruments such as trade, investment, infrastructure, finance, technology and talent to secure prosperity and influence,” he said, adding that Lagos sits at the centre of Africa’s emerging economic story.
The governor stressed the importance of regional collaboration with other South-West states through platforms such as the Odu’a Group, DAWN Commission, and the South-West Development Commission.
He highlighted major infrastructure projects shaping Lagos’ economic landscape, including the Lekki Deep Sea Port, Dangote Refinery, Lekki Free Zone, and the Blue and Red rail lines.
According to him, these projects are strengthening Lagos’ position as a major trade and logistics hub under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Sanwo-Olu also pointed to Lagos’ growing influence in technology, saying the state hosts Africa’s largest concentration of start-ups and has produced more tech unicorns than any other African city.
He added that the creative sector, including Nollywood, Afrobeats, fashion, and literature, continues to boost Lagos’ global cultural relevance.
However, he acknowledged the pressure of rapid urbanisation, noting that Lagos’ population has grown to over 24 million people, creating significant challenges in housing, transport, and infrastructure.
“Our infrastructure deficit remains vast. Rapid urbanisation presses upon housing, transport and services,” he said.
The governor renewed his call for constitutional recognition of Lagos through a special status arrangement, arguing that the state’s economic importance and population burden justify additional federal support.
Looking ahead, Sanwo-Olu expressed optimism about Lagos’ future, highlighting ongoing investments in mass transit, digital governance, climate resilience, and 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 commitment to make Lagos even better.”
Pastor Tunde Bakare, convener of the summit, described Lagos as a model for other Nigerian states, citing its strategic leadership and economic transformation as key lessons for national development.
