The Lagos State Government has said its sustained investments in security, transportation and critical infrastructure are driving the increasing number of investors, tourists and new residents choosing Lagos as their preferred destination.
According to the government, creating a safe environment and developing modern infrastructure have remained central to its strategy for economic growth and urban development, helping to strengthen Lagos’ position as one of Africa’s leading commercial and tourism hubs.
Speaking during an interview on Silverbird Television, the Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, said security and infrastructure form the backbone of the state's development agenda.
Akosile stressed that no economy can thrive without adequate security, noting that businesses, investors and visitors are naturally drawn to locations where they feel protected and confident about their safety.
He pointed to what he described as significant improvements in security across Lagos under the current administration, recalling a period when armed robbery and violent crimes frequently disrupted daily life and restricted movement in many parts of the state.
According to him, deliberate reforms and investments in security architecture have contributed to a substantial reduction in such incidents.
The government spokesman revealed that the administration has deployed advanced surveillance systems as part of a broader effort to strengthen public safety. These investments include high-tech CCTV cameras and a multi-phase security infrastructure designed to improve monitoring and emergency response capabilities.
Akosile disclosed that approximately 3,000 kilometres of fibre optic cables are currently being installed across the state to enhance real-time communication, surveillance and data transmission.
He explained that the infrastructure will support a central command-and-control centre that works closely with security agencies, particularly the police, to monitor activities across Lagos and coordinate rapid responses to potential threats.
According to him, the effectiveness of the security network was recently demonstrated when authorities successfully disrupted the operations of a notorious "one-chance" robbery syndicate within the state.
Beyond security, Akosile said the administration’s development efforts are being driven by the THEMES+ agenda, a comprehensive policy framework designed to address key sectors critical to Lagos’ long-term growth.
The blueprint focuses on transportation, health, education, environment, technology, tourism, entertainment, governance, security and social inclusion, among other strategic areas.
On transportation, he highlighted ongoing efforts to improve mobility through road expansion projects, upgraded junctions, enhanced ferry operations and major rail initiatives aimed at easing traffic congestion and improving connectivity across the metropolis.
Among the flagship transportation projects are the Lagos Blue Line and Lagos Red Line rail systems, while plans are also underway for the proposed Lagos Green Line.
Akosile further stated that environmental sustainability remains a major priority for the government, especially as Lagos continues to experience rapid population growth and urban expansion.
He noted that deliberate measures are being implemented to ensure the state remains livable, resilient and environmentally sustainable despite increasing developmental pressures.
The government spokesman also highlighted ongoing investments in education and technology, saying these sectors are essential to the vision of transforming Lagos into a globally competitive 21st-century economy.
He added that the state's growing reputation as a destination for tourism, entertainment and cultural events has further boosted its attractiveness to visitors from across Nigeria and beyond.
According to Akosile, the THEMES+ agenda also places strong emphasis on inclusiveness, ensuring that women, young people and other segments of society are adequately represented and carried along in the state's development journey.
He maintained that the combined focus on security, infrastructure development and inclusive governance has strengthened Lagos’ status as a regional centre for investment, commerce, innovation, entertainment and tourism.
As competition among African cities for investment and talent continues to intensify, the Lagos State Government believes that sustained improvements in public safety and infrastructure will remain key factors in maintaining the state's economic momentum and attractiveness to both local and international stakeholders.