Lagos, catalyst for Nigeria’s global ambition, says Sanwo-Olu

Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has urged Nigerians to boldly prepare for the country’s emergence as a global power.

He made this call on Tuesday while delivering the inaugural lecture at the maiden Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) Distinguished Lecture Series in Lagos.

The lecture, with the theme ‘Lagos and Nigeria 2030: Projections of a World Power,’ highlighted Lagos State’s 30-year plan and Nigeria’s broader ambitions for global leadership.

Sanwo-Olu stressed that Nigeria’s future could not be fully realised without Lagos, which he described as the “catalyst” for the country’s global aspiration.

“Lagos is already offering glimpses of tomorrow’s Nigeria — a nation economically strong, technologically advanced, culturally vibrant and geopolitically respected,” the governor declared.

He added: “We must perfect the art of dreaming big and then working tirelessly to turn those dreams into reality.”

Sanwo-Olu traced Nigeria’s path from independence through military rule, democratic consolidation and foreign policy leadership, noting the country had survived civil war, terrorism and global shocks, including COVID-19.

“Nigeria has everything it takes to be a world power. We have conquered much in our history.

“As we march toward 2030, we must mobilise every energy, resource and partnership to achieve our goals,” Sanwo-Olu emphasised.

He cited Lagos investments in logistics hubs, industrial zones, light rail, cultural infrastructure and digital technology as signposts of Nigeria’s economic future.

“In spite of being the smallest state by land, Lagos is building Africa’s largest logistics food hub and rice mill,” the governor explained.

He added that the state is expanding light rail, which has moved over six million passengers safely, while also hosting global e-sports and electric powerboat competitions.

According to him, such initiatives show how sub-national governments can support federal ambitions to place Nigeria firmly in the global economy.

Chairperson of the lecture, Dr Dere Awosika, praised Lagos for prioritising infrastructure and security, which she described as indispensable to international relevance.

“There can be no world power without security. Lagos is demonstrating that growth must rest on safety, governance and inclusivity,” she said.

Director-General of NIIA, Prof. Eghosa Osaghae, said the lecture series would provide a platform for high-level policy dialogue on Nigeria’s role in a changing world.

The maiden lecture attracted diplomats, academics, business leaders and civil society representatives.

It was reported that the Babajide Sanwo-Olu Foreign Policy School was also unveiled.