After Lagos state Economic summit, what next?

Walking the talk is an important issue in the implementation of the economic development of a country. In the past 48 years of Nigeria’s existence, our leaders have been failing and finding it difficult to walk their talks in the running of the country.

Known as the centre of excellence, Lagos generates 60 percent of the national Gross Domestic Product. Much of this comes in unregistered businesses, which bustle and jostle in streets and all parts of the metropolis.

Lagos State has been known globally as the heartbeat of Nigeria and infact it is the economic hub of Nigeria and the sub-region, but poor standard of living and severe poverty is the order of the day. A look at the streets of Orile Iganmu, Ojota, Ajegunle other parts of the city will tell that the state needs help in terms of infrastructures facilities and amenities.

Although, the smallest of the states created in May 27, 1967, Lagos State has the largest population in Nigeria after Kano. Little or no improvement has been witnessed in Lagos, due to inconsistency in the nation’s leadership and economic policies.

There had been assurances, promises and much talking at the previous and just concluded Lagos State economic summit. But the problem of walking the talk is very difficult to handle. Areas such as energy, transportation, water, sanitation, environment and security, urban planning and the development and maintenance of requisite human capital, which remain major thrusts of the Mega-city plan, were theme of the summit.

There have been some changes in the transportation sector since the Babatunde Fashola government took off last year, especially the new BRT transport scheme and repairs of roads.

But the issue of Lagos mega city is still a dream yet to be achieved, but I guess time will tell if Lagos is really going to be a mega city for business. The next four years of this administration will prove the impact of the summits.

If the Millennium Development Goals are to be achieved, administrative and policy restrictions must be reviewed and removed.