{
  "id": 6913721,
  "title": "Hamzat Promises Decentralised Government Services, Stronger Economic Development Across Lagos",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/12/hamzat-promises-decentralised-government-services-stronger-economic",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-12T11:11:51.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "This Day",
    "slug": "this-day",
    "url": "https://www.thisdaylive.com/2026/09/12/hamzat-promises-decentralised-government-services-stronger-economic-development-across-lagos/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, the APC candidate for Lagos State governor, has announced his plans to decentralize government services and foster economic development across the five divisions of Lagos - Ikeja, Badagry, Ikorodu, Lagos Island, and Epe. Speaking in Ikorodu, Hamzat emphasized the importance of harnessing the unique strengths of each division, aiming to create a Lagos where residents no longer need to travel to Alausa for services that can be provided locally.\n\nHamzat pledged to establish mini-secretariats in Ikorodu, Badagry, and Epe, ensuring that at least 80% of services required by the people can be addressed within their respective divisions. Furthermore, he proposed developing infrastructure around emerging economic activities in each division, stressing that government presence must be closer to the people to provide efficient public services and transportation.\n\nThe candidate identified agriculture, food processing, and transportation as key areas of potential development in Ikorodu. He also stressed the importance of reorganizing local government administration, focusing on both physical and financial structures to improve accountability and reduce leakages.\n\nHamzat highlighted the need for a borderless metropolitan city, considering the reliance of neighbouring states on Lagos' infrastructure and public services. He proposed enhancing healthcare, transportation, water, and other public infrastructure to cater to the needs of residents from outside Lagos, citing the example of Orile Agege General Hospital.\n\nThe deputy governor outlined plans for major transport interchanges that would connect buses, rail, and ferries, making it easier for residents in the hinterlands to access economic opportunities across the state. He also proposed maximizing the use of waterways alongside road and rail infrastructure to create a truly integrated transport system.\n\nIn terms of transportation, Hamzat announced the introduction of 77 electric buses, including 30- and 40-seater models, in an effort to reduce operating costs and make transportation more affordable for commuters. He also proposed an expanded network connecting strategic routes and terminals, including Ikorodu, Badore, Victoria Island, Marina, and other areas, while emphasizing the expansion of rail and water transportation to provide residents with more commuting options.\n\nRegarding healthcare, Hamzat acknowledged the growing population of Lagos and the need for an expansion of healthcare infrastructure. He proposed the expansion of Ikorodu General Hospital and other major hospitals, going beyond buildings to include adequate accommodation for medical staff, ensuring quality and accessible services for residents.\n\nLastly, Hamzat called for greater citizen participation in the development of Lagos, emphasizing that government cannot build every institution or solve every problem. He encouraged individuals and organizations to contribute to the state's growth and development, stating that a better society is built through collective efforts from all citizens.",
  "summary": "Bennett Oghifo Lagos State Deputy Governor and All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, has assured to build a more interconnected Lagos, decentralise government services, and develop",
  "key_points": [
    "Dr. Hamzat promises to decentralize government services across Lagos' five divisions.",
    "He plans to establish mini-secretariats in Ikorodu, Badagry, and Epe for local service provision.",
    "Hamzat proposes developing infrastructure around emerging economic activities in each division."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}