FG Helping Lagos, But More Support Needed — Sanwo-Olu

Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has acknowledged the support of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to the state but said the Federal Gov­ernment could do more, given Lagos’ historical significance and contribution to Nigeria’s economy.

Sanwo-Olu spoke at the week­end during the Financial Times Africa Summit in London, where he was asked whether Tinubu, a former governor of Lagos State, was doing well for the state and what more he ex­pected from Abuja.

Responding, the governor said the Federal Government had made significant contribu­tions to Lagos through infra­structure projects and reforms in the electricity sector, but stressed the need for greater support.

“It’s an ongoing conversation. I cannot pretend that the current Federal Government is not help­ing out,” he said.

He, however, added that while the Federal Government was supporting the state, more could still be done to address its peculiar needs.

“So, the Federal Government is helping us. Lagos used to be the capital of the country and the administrative head until when Abuja came up. So, they are helping but it could be a bit more,” Sanwo-Olu said.

The governor explained that Lagos continued to engage the Federal Government on several issues, including the demand for special status for the state, given its strategic position as Nigeria’s commercial hub and its contri­bution to national revenue.

He said the quest for special status had remained difficult because of constitutional and political considerations.

“We have talked about Lagos being given a special status but constitutionally, the politicians in Abuja will never let that hap­pen. So, we are having conversa­tions,” he said.