Hamzat Unveils 2027 Vision, Prioritises Security, Better Quality of Life

Hamzat Unveils 2027 Vision, Prioritises Security, Better Quality of Life
Promises Safer, Better Organised Lagos
Disclosed that consultations were ongoing with market women, transport unions, professionals and other stakeholders to fine-tune his manifesto

The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for the 2027 Lagos State election, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, has outlined his vision for the state, pledging to prioritise security, improved organisation and a better quality of life for residents if elected governor, Eko Hot Blog reports.

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Speaking during an interview, the incumbent deputy governor said governance should be measured by its impact on the lives of citizens rather than the number of projects executed.

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According to Hamzat, the governor’s primary responsibility is to coordinate government institutions and ensure that policies translate into meaningful improvements for Lagosians.

“The role of the governor is like the captain of a team. There are many experts that run a state, but the governor’s job is to align expertise with vision and ensure effective delivery,” he said.

“The real question is how every policy affects the lives of Lagosians. Whether it is building hospitals, clearing drains or implementing budgets, the focus must always be on improving people’s quality of life.”

Hamzat said the outgoing Sanwo-Olu administration remains committed to completing ongoing projects while laying a solid foundation for future governments through the state’s long-term development plan.

He noted that Lagos operates with a master plan that extends beyond individual administrations, assuring residents that projects such as the Blue and Red Rail Lines would continue to receive attention.

Describing government as a continuum, he said efforts would be made to complete existing projects while creating room for new initiatives.

The deputy governor also disclosed that consultations were ongoing with market women, transport unions, professionals and other stakeholders to fine-tune his manifesto.

According to him, the document, initially spanning more than 500 pages, is being simplified into a practical development plan with realistic timelines and funding projections.

Hamzat identified access to potable water, improved security, better infrastructure and a more organised society as some of his administration’s top priorities.

“One of the things we’ve realised is that many services need to be decentralised, and our systems must become more organised and predictable,” he said.

He added that residents should be able to move freely without harassment, stressing that government performance should also be measured by the everyday experiences of citizens.

“If my car breaks down, I don’t want anyone harassing me. People should be able to walk freely at night and carry out their businesses in a safe environment,” he said.

On security, Hamzat reiterated his support for state policing, arguing that locally recruited officers would have a better understanding of their communities than officers deployed from other parts of the country.

He also said technology would play a critical role in strengthening the state’s security architecture.

Lagos Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat and APC governorship candidate, Obafemi Hamzat presenting the official results of the Lagos APC gubernatorial primary to President Bola Tinubu

Addressing the challenge of flooding, Hamzat attributed the problem to climate change, blocked drainage systems and illegal developments obstructing waterways.

He assured residents that his administration would continue clearing drainage channels while enforcing physical planning regulations to reduce flooding.

The APC candidate also outlined plans to transform waste management by expanding waste-to-wealth initiatives and reducing dependence on landfill sites through new waste conversion facilities.

Defending government borrowing, Hamzat said loans used for productive infrastructure should not be viewed negatively.

“Governments all over the world borrow money. The important thing is ensuring the borrowing is constructive and tied to projects that improve the economy,” he said.

He renewed calls for a special status for Lagos, describing it as an economic necessity given the state’s strategic role in Nigeria’s economy and the huge financial demands of its infrastructure.

On agriculture, Hamzat acknowledged the state’s limited land for farming but said Lagos would strengthen partnerships with food-producing states through structured off-take arrangements to improve food supply, reduce post-harvest losses and stabilise prices.

“We consume a lot of food, even though we cannot produce enough ourselves. What we can do is manage the supply chain efficiently to ensure food gets to consumers at affordable prices,” he said.