By Ayomide Otitoju
Lagos State Deputy Governor and All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, has promised to decentralise government services and strengthen the economic potential of the state’s five divisions.
Hamzat made the commitment on Thursday during an interview on IKD 106.1 FM’s programme, “KOH Unscripted in Ikorodu.”
He said Lagos must be developed as an interconnected state where residents can access essential government services without travelling to Alausa.
“We must decentralise Lagos. Alausa should not be the only place where people can access government services. We should have mini-secretariats in Ikorodu, Badagry and Epe, so that perhaps 80 per cent of the services people need can be resolved within their divisions,” he said.
Hamzat said each division—Ikorodu, Badagry, Epe, Ikeja and Lagos Island—should be developed according to its comparative economic advantages.
He identified Ikorodu’s potential in agriculture, food processing and transportation, while promising infrastructure to support emerging institutions and economic activities across the state.
The deputy governor also called for the reorganisation of local government administration, including improvements in physical and financial structures to strengthen accountability, reduce leakages and address issues such as ghost workers.
He said Lagos should be planned as a borderless metropolitan city, noting that residents of neighbouring states also depend on its infrastructure and public services.
Hamzat cited Orile Agege General Hospital, where he said a significant number of patients come from outside Lagos, as an example of why healthcare, transportation, water and other infrastructure must be planned with the wider metropolitan population in mind.
On transportation, he outlined plans for major interchanges linking buses, rail and ferries to improve connectivity between the hinterlands and economic centres.
He said Lagos must also maximise its waterways alongside road and rail infrastructure to create an integrated transport system.
Hamzat disclosed that 77 electric buses, including 30- and 40-seater models, were being introduced into the state’s transport system. He said electric vehicles would reduce dependence on diesel and petrol and potentially lower transportation costs for commuters.
He proposed a network connecting strategic routes and terminals in areas including Ikorodu, Badore, Victoria Island and Marina, alongside expanded rail and water transport services.
On healthcare, Hamzat said Lagos’ growing population required corresponding investment in medical infrastructure.
He said the Ikorodu General Hospital and other major hospitals would be expanded, including the provision of accommodation for doctors, nurses and other health workers.
On water supply, he acknowledged the challenges facing residents and said Lagos’ dependence on water sources in neighbouring Ogun State required cooperation and appropriate compensation arrangements.
Hamzat said completion of the Adiyan Water Project and associated pipeline infrastructure would significantly increase the state’s water supply capacity and extend access to more residents.
He also urged greater citizen participation in Lagos’ development, saying government alone could not build every institution or solve every problem.
“Individuals and organisations in developed countries contribute to education and other areas of development. So we as citizens of this great nation must see ourselves as partners in building a better society,” he said.
