*Ojo LG, Badagry Monarchs Table Flood, Jobs, Tourism Demands at LASG Budget Forum
The Lagos State Government has underscored the need to invest in safe, inclusive, and well-regulated nightlife zones to harness the city’s growing reputation as a global nightlife hub.
Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Mr. Ope George, made this known in his presentation at the 2026 budget consultative forum following Lagos’ recognition as the 14th best city in the world for nightlife and 2nd in Africa by Time Out.
The consultative forum is a process of engaging residents across the five IBILE divisions of the state—Ikorodu, Badagry, Ikeja, Lagos Island, and Epe, which commenced September 9th in the Ikeja division and concluded on the 16th at Badagry division, held at the Aderemi Makanjuola Auditorium in Lagos State University, LASU, Ojo.
George noted that while the ranking reflects both global recognition and local approval with 79 percent of Lagos residents backing the city’s nightlife, sustaining the momentum requires strategic investment.
“The nightlife sector isn’t just about entertainment. It is an economic opportunity that can boost tourism, create jobs for young people, and expand the state’s revenue base,” he said.
He, however, warned that Lagos faces growing competition from African cities like Cape Town and Marrakech, which are also strengthening their night economies. According to him, the state must move beyond recognition to build long-term growth through policies that prioritize safety, inclusivity, and regulation.
Analysing the impact of the 2025 budget, the commissioner noted that Lagos had achieved nearly 80 percent performance, describing the trend as encouraging. He expressed optimism that both revenue and expenditure targets for the current year would be met.
George added that infrastructure, healthcare, education, and social protection remained top on the state’s agenda, while feedback from the forum would be integrated into the 2026 budget draft.
Speaking at the Forum of the Badagry division, the Chairman of Ojo Local Government Area, Hon. Muhibat Rufai-Adeyemi, appealed to the Lagos State Government for urgent intervention in tackling critical infrastructural challenges threatening communities within the council.
Rufai-Adeyemi said Ojo, being a vital economic and residential hub in the district, deserves increased attention in the coming fiscal year, especially in the area of transportation and traffic management, and Making Lagos a 21st Century Economy which she noted, aligns with the THEMES Plus agenda of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu Administration.
She highlighted two major projects requiring state support. The first is the emergency clearing and fortification of canal passages in the area, which she described as heavily silted and blocked by refuse. According to her, the situation has led to perennial flooding in Iragbota and adjoining communities, a threat to lives and property, health hazards, and rendering homes and businesses inaccessible during the rainy season.
“We are requesting an emergency allocation for the comprehensive clearing, safety measures, and construction of the canal walls to restore its capacity and prevent devastating effects,” she said.
The Council boss also requested that construction of the Ojo-Igbede road – from Volks Wagen Bus Stop to Igbede – which she noted is at a dilapidated state that requires urgent intervention as it can no longer bear the immense traffic in the corridor. Rufai-Adeyemi explained that the Ojo-Igbede road serves as a critical alternative route from the Lagos-Badagry Expressway through Ojo and the Alaba International Market bypass.
“The condition of the road not only worsens traffic congestion but also increases transportation costs and disrupts the free movement of goods and people,” she added.
In his remarks, the Oniworo of Iworo-Awori Kingdom, Badagry, Oba Oladele Kosoko, urged the government to consider creating job opportunities through bush clearing, which he said has overtaken parts of the Mile 2 axis. According to him, such an initiative could engage between 500 and 1,000 persons productively.
The monarch further appealed for the continuation of work on a Primary Health Care Centre in the area, which has been abandoned for some time.
Also speaking, the Aholu Agano Toniyon I of Ajara Agamethen Kingdom, Badagry, tasked the state government with protecting tourism investments in the division. He emphasized the need to revisit and promote the true historical story of Badagry, which, he noted, goes beyond its identification with the transatlantic slave trade.
He said the grave of the first king in Badagry could be developed into a tourist site, alongside the creation of his statue, to deepen historical tourism in the region.
The monarch also called for improved security around primary schools, especially those without perimeter fencing, stressing that safeguarding children should remain a top priority.
