Why Lagos needs special status — Sanwo-Olu

Nigeria’s prosperity and progress are linked to Lagos being the country’s commercial capital, says Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

On Tuesday, the governor restated the need for a special economic status for Lagos.

Mr Sanwo-Olu spoke at the South-West zonal public hearing of the House of Representatives Special Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution in Lagos. His deputy, Obafemi Hamza, represented him.

“The progress and prosperity of Nigeria is linked to the progress and prosperity of the state. For us in Lagos state, the issue of state police and fiscal federalism are at the top of the priority list for us in the ongoing review process,” explained Mr Sanwo-Olu.

He further stated, “Equally fundamental, particularly for us in Lagos, is the issue of a special economic status for Lagos.

“This is considering our place in national economy and the special burden we bear by virtue of our large population and the very limited landmass that we have. I believe the need for this special status has been sufficiently articulated and justified.”

He pointed out that the state’s quest for special status is “by no means a selfish one but one that is actually in the interest of every Nigerian and of Nigeria as a nation.’’

Mr Sanwo-Olu commended the leadership and members of the National Assembly for responding to the concerns of Nigerians on the need to review the 1999 Constitution to reflect the current realities as a nation.

According to him, true democracy is about exercising the sovereign will of the people.

“This constitutional amendment process will provide Nigerians with the opportunity to express their minds on the issues that must be reflected in the constitution.

“This is either by way of amendment to existing provisions or entirely new provisions,’’ Sanwo-Olu added.