Francesca Odimgbe
Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, the Governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Tuesday announced a development framework tagged PROMISE built around measurable targets and public accountability, with commitments spanning infrastructure, healthcare, education, security, job creation and affordable housing.
Hamzat, who is also the Deputy Governor, of the State disclosed this during a session organized to discuss the facts and figures of Lagos State.
The occasion is the 8th Largest Economy in Africa, organized by the Lagos Chambers of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), in Lagos.
During the session Hamzat described the agenda as a “Social Contract” with Lagos residents, stressing that its pledges would provide clear benchmarks against which his administration’s performance could be assessed.
Hamzat explained that the PROMISE Agenda is anchored on key pillars covering People First, Renewal, Opportunity, Machinery of Government, Inclusion, Security and Justice, and Everyday Dignity.
“This framework is designed to address residents’ needs through coordinated policies, measurable outcomes and a governance approach that prioritises practical solutions over isolated projects,” the Deputy Governor said.
On infrastructure, he highlighted the importance of improving transportation, expanding access to reliable electricity and water, strengthening drainage and waste management systems, and preparing the state to respond more effectively to flooding and other climate-related challenges.
He also emphasised the need to use data and technology to plan projects, monitor implementation and ensure that public investments deliver lasting benefits.
The Deputy Governor identified healthcare, education and skills development as critical to building a more inclusive economy, pointing to plans to expand access to healthcare services, strengthen medical training and equip residents with skills relevant to emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence, robotics, block-chain and the internet of things.
Highlighting traffic congestion as a major economic challenge for Lagos, he cited Lagos estimated annual losses of ₦4 trillion, adding that the time residents spend in traffic reduces productivity, increases business and logistics costs, and affects the state’s economic growth.
He stated that his proposed administration would focus on connecting rail, bus and water transport, including the planned extension of the Blue Line towards Okokomaiko and better integration of buses, ferries and the Cowry payment system, adding that progress would be measured by reduced commuting time and transport costs, improved access to public transportation and less time lost to traffic congestion.
On economic opportunities, Hamzat stressed the importance of supporting micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, expanding vocational training, empowering women-led businesses and creating pathways for young people to gain employable skills.
He also highlighted the role of food logistics and cold-chain infrastructure in reducing post-harvest losses and improving the movement of food from farms to consumers.
He further underscored the need to strengthen public accountability and make government more responsive to residents, citing the proposed use of digital platforms to receive complaints, track service requests and improve response times. He also identified improved security infrastructure, emergency response systems and access to justice as important elements of the agenda.
Hamzat said the ultimate objective of the PROMISE Agenda is to establish clear expectations that residents could monitor, with government performance measured by tangible outcomes, including improved services, time and money saved, jobs created and better access to opportunities.
“The PROMISE Agenda is a framework through which our administration, if elected in 2027, will commit to ensuring that governance delivers measurable benefits in the everyday lives of Lagos residents,” the Deputy Governor concluded.
In his welcome address, the president of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Engr. Leye Kupoluyi, stated that the engagement with the Deputy Governor provided an opportunity for the business community to assess the economic policies and development priorities of prospective political leaders, given the direct impact of government policies on investment, operating costs and business growth.
Kupoluyi identified five key priority areas for the next administration, which include reducing the cost of doing business, improving infrastructure and mobility, reforming the tax and regulatory framework, promoting economic growth and investment, and empowering small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs).
He explained that addressing high energy and logistics costs, traffic congestion, freight bottlenecks and regulatory challenges would improve productivity and create a more conducive business environment.