The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and incumbent Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, has unveiled an ambitious 100-point development agenda, promising to expand public transportation, deliver affordable housing, strengthen neighbourhood security and improve access to potable water if elected governor in 2027.
Hamzat unveiled the manifesto, titled The Lagos Promise (Ileri Eko), on Friday, October 30, 2026, at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, formerly the National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos, outlining a development programme built around seven pillars covering social welfare, infrastructure, economic opportunities, public sector reforms, inclusion and security.
The deputy governor, who has served alongside Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu since 2019, said his administration would prioritise measurable outcomes, insisting that campaign promises must translate into improvements in the daily lives of residents.
The manifesto contains 100 pledges, comprising 87 firm commitments within the powers of the Lagos State Government and 13 aspirations requiring collaboration with the Federal Government, judicial authorities or other stakeholders.
According to Hamzat, the programme is structured around seven pillars represented by the letters in the word PROMISE: People First, Renewal, Opportunity, Machinery of Government, Inclusion, Security and Resilience, and Everyday Dignity.
“Today, I put that plan in your hands. We call it The Lagos Promise. Ileri Eko. I chose those words with care. A promise is a debt. In Yoruba, we say: Gbese ni Ileri. A promise has weight,” he declared.
“A serious promise answers three questions. Who is it for? Will it be fulfilled? And how can I trust it?”
He said his approach to governance would be guided by three principles: respect, work and truth.
Transport: Hamzat promises 4,000 buses, rail expansion
One of the most significant commitments in Hamzat’s manifesto is a proposal to quadruple Lagos’ public bus fleet from 1,000 to 4,000 vehicles, with the objective of transporting one million passengers daily.
He said the expansion would form part of an integrated transportation system connecting road, rail and water services to reduce commuting times and improve productivity.
“I will move Lagos by road, by rail and by water, as one connected system,” Hamzat said.
“I will grow the public bus fleet from 1,000 buses to 4,000, so our buses can carry one million passengers every day.”
The APC candidate noted that Lagos’ Bus Rapid Transit system had recorded more than 700 million passenger journeys since its introduction, while the Blue and Red rail lines had transported nearly 11 million passengers.
He pledged to extend the Blue Line to Okokomaiko and establish an interchange connecting the Blue and Red Lines at the National Theatre Station.
Hamzat projected that the Blue Line could carry up to 250,000 passengers daily when it reaches Trade Fair Station in early 2027.
He also promised to work with federal authorities to advance the proposed Green Line railway from Marina to the Lekki Free Trade Zone.
On water transportation, the deputy governor announced plans to dredge an additional 140 kilometres of waterways, optimise 15 ferry routes, rehabilitate 25 of the state’s 47 terminals and jetties, and procure 75 additional electric vessels under the Omi Eko initiative.
“Lagos is a water state. The lagoon must be our third highway,” he declared.
He added: “One ticket. One timetable. One integrated service across rail, road and water.”
Hamzat said his administration would prioritise the rehabilitation of inner roads across communities, working with local governments, local council development areas and the Lagos State Public Works Corporation.
Among the roads identified for reconstruction or upgrading are Tedi-Mowo Road, Olojo Drive-Alaba International Market-Igbede Road, Bola Ahmed Tinubu Road in Bogije, Igbe-Ginti Road, Ijede Road Phase Two, Mowo-Ikoga Road, Mushin-Itire Road and Isheri-Osun Road.
He also pledged to activate the Fourth Mainland Bridge project through partnerships, accelerate the Regional Road along the Lekki-Epe corridor and commence the second phase of the Opebi-Mende Link Bridge.
Housing: 10% down payment, single-digit mortgage interest
On housing, Hamzat promised to improve access to homeownership through mortgage arrangements requiring a 10 per cent initial deposit, single-digit interest rates and longer repayment periods.
He said the policy would be supported by partnerships with private developers to deliver more affordable homes.
“I will make mortgages reachable. Ten per cent down. Single-digit interest. Longer repayment periods. We will deepen Lagos HOMS and open a clear path to home ownership,” he said.
The governorship candidate identified several housing projects his administration would complete, including Egan-Igando Clusters Two and Three, Lagos HOMS Sangotedo Phase Two, Lagos HOMS Ibeshe Phases Two and Three, and the Brains and Hammers development at Iganmu-Ijora.
Other projects include the Workers’ Village at Ipaja, the Epe housing scheme at Ita-Marun, Beacon Apartments on Command Road, Vangully Housing Estate in Ajah, Lagos HOMS Ajara Phase Two in Badagry and the housing estate in Okota.
“We will finish all of these. We will make the homes available, and we will build more,” Hamzat assured residents.
Security: CCTV, intelligence centre, neighbourhood policing
Hamzat also unveiled plans to strengthen the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Agency and extend its operational presence to every ward across the state’s 20 local government areas and 37 local council development areas.
He promised to expand street lighting and CCTV coverage to residential communities, riverine settlements and developing neighbourhoods.
The candidate proposed establishing a State Intelligence Fusion Centre to improve coordination in tackling cybercrime, financial crimes and organised criminal activities.
“We will strengthen the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Agency and extend its presence to every ward across our 20 local governments and 37 local council development areas,” he said.
He explained that the agency could serve as a foundation for state policing if the necessary constitutional and legal framework emerges.
Hamzat also promised improved remuneration, training, accommodation and healthcare coverage for security personnel and their dependants.
To address concerns about misconduct, he proposed an independent mechanism for reviewing complaints against officers.
“Safety and accountability must travel together,” he said.
Water supply: Six million more residents to benefit
On potable water, Hamzat pledged to complete the Adiyan Phase Two waterworks project, which he said would have the capacity to produce 70 million gallons daily and supply clean water to an additional six million Lagos residents.
“Adiyan Phase Two is a 70-million-gallon-a-day facility, built to supply clean water to six million more Lagosians. It is under construction. It is being funded. I will finish it,” he said.
His administration would also rehabilitate 24 micro and mini waterworks, repair damaged distribution mains and expand the public water supply network.
On sanitation, Hamzat promised to raise waste collection coverage to 95 per cent by strengthening private sector participation operators and community collection systems.
He pledged to complete transfer loading stations at Olusosun and Solous III in Alimosho, establish a waste recovery facility and complete the waste-to-energy facility at Agbowa.
The deputy governor also promised to integrate about 30,000 waste collectors and sorters into a more structured system, providing training, equipment and improved remuneration.
“Essential work deserves dignity,” he said.
He further outlined plans to plant millions of trees and develop public parks to improve environmental conditions and strengthen Lagos’ resilience against climate-related challenges.
Healthcare: 580 hospital beds, expanded insurance coverage
Hamzat promised to expand the number of Maternal and Child Centres from 10 to 15 and increase enrolment under the Ilera Eko health insurance programme to one-third of Lagos residents, with priority for low-income households.
He also pledged to deliver the new 150-bed Massey Children’s Hospital, the 280-bed Ojo General Hospital and the 150-bed Somolu General Hospital.
Together, the three facilities would provide 580 additional hospital beds.
“Our promise is that we will deliver two new General Hospitals, at Ogombo and Ibeju-Lekki, expand the capacity of our existing General Hospitals and upgrade 100 primary health-care centres to flagship status,” he said.
Hamzat also promised to recruit additional doctors, nurses and midwives, improve working conditions and strengthen healthcare infrastructure to address shortages in the health workforce.
He appealed to medical professionals to remain in the state.
“Lagos needs you here. We will continue to improve the conditions you serve under, strengthen our facilities and give you the support you need to serve our people. Stay and build with me,” he said.
Education: Teacher welfare, digital learning, child protection
On education, the APC candidate pledged to strengthen teaching standards, expand digital learning and ensure that every child living in Lagos has access to education.
He said the EKOEXCEL programme was already operating in 1,028 public primary schools, while the Eko Learners initiative had provided 320 lessons through online and television platforms.
Hamzat promised to expand educational opportunities from early childhood to tertiary institutions and pursue plans for a University of Medicine and Health Sciences to train more healthcare professionals.
He also pledged to review teachers’ remuneration and continue professional development programmes.
“Every child in Lagos belongs in school. I will bring every one of them in, and keep them there,” he declared.
“We will review your compensation package, so your pay matches the work we demand from you and the contribution you make to the future of Lagos.”
The candidate recounted an encounter with a 10-year-old boy rescued from beneath a bridge in Oshodi at about 2 a.m., saying the experience reinforced his determination to strengthen child protection systems.
According to him, the boy had fled an unsafe home environment in another state and considered sleeping beneath the bridge safer than returning home.
He said the child was rescued and was doing well.
“If you are a child, and you live in Lagos, then you are a child of Lagos. Wherever your parents were born, whatever language you speak and whatever faith your family practises, Lagos will know your name. Lagos will work for you. Lagos will protect you,” he said.
Jobs: 40% apprenticeship stipends, support for small businesses
Hamzat promised to expand access to business financing, vocational training and employment opportunities, particularly for young people, artisans and small businesses.
He said his administration would introduce a simplified system of business permits and publish a clear schedule of lawful charges to improve transparency and reduce the burden of multiple payments.
The deputy governor said students in vocational and technical institutions would undergo practical training with employers for six to 12 months, with the state covering 40 per cent of their stipends.
He also proposed free skills certification for experienced artisans and stronger links between government contracts and verified job creation.
Hamzat disclosed that the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund had provided more than ₦15 billion to over 21,000 businesses, while more than 116,000 enterprises had received training, advisory services and mentorship.
According to him, the programme had trained 30,000 young Lagosians and facilitated employment for nearly 15,000, while supported businesses had generated more than 300,000 jobs.
He pledged to expand training in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, blockchain technology, robotics and the Internet of Things.
“I will clear the barriers so you can keep building Lagos,” he said.
Addressing entrepreneurs, he added: “When I remove a barrier, hire one more person if you can. When we support an apprentice, teach them well. When you receive public support, show the jobs it helped to create.”
The candidate also promised to expand digital access hubs, strengthen Yaba’s technology ecosystem and provide more opportunities for young professionals to occupy leadership positions in government based on merit.
First 100 Days: Child protection agency, service delivery office
Hamzat said his administration would begin implementing major institutional reforms within its first 100 days.
His first proposed bill to the Lagos State House of Assembly would establish a Child Protection and Nutrition Agency to ensure that children under 18 are enrolled in school or vocational training and receive adequate nutrition.
He also promised to establish a Lagos State Service Delivery Office through an executive order, with the governor serving as chairman.
The office would publish baseline indicators for government commitments, enabling residents to monitor implementation.
A third priority would be advancing the State Wealth Fund with an independent board and published accounts to preserve resources for future generations.
“Accountability will not wait for the end of my term. It begins in my first hundred days,” he said.
Hamzat further pledged that government offices would display service charters specifying the services available, expected standards and responsible officials.
Under the proposed system, complaints would be acknowledged within 48 hours, answered within seven days and resolved within 30 days.
He also promised regular town hall meetings across the five administrative divisions of Lagos and an independent Performance Council to assess government delivery.
An annual performance report would compare the administration’s promises with actual achievements, explain missed targets and provide revised completion dates.
Explaining the distinction between the manifesto’s commitments and aspirations, Hamzat said: “Eighty-seven are firm commitments. They are within the Lagos State Government’s power, and each will be measured against a published scorecard. If one of them is not delivered, it will be noted, and I must own it.”
He added that the remaining 13 aspirations depended on consultations and decisions beyond the direct control of the state government.
Hamzat promises inclusive government
On inclusion, Hamzat pledged that his administration would serve Lagos residents irrespective of ethnicity, religion, gender, age, disability or state of origin.
He described Lagos as a city historically shaped by people from different parts of Nigeria and other countries who came to work, invest and build their lives.
“Everyone who lives here belongs here, and Lagos will serve you as you are,” he said.
The candidate identified programmes aimed at improving opportunities for women, young people and persons with disabilities, describing them as central to his vision of an inclusive state.
Hamzat also acknowledged President Bola Tinubu, who wrote the foreword to the manifesto, and credited successive Lagos administrations with laying the institutional and infrastructural foundations on which his proposals would build.
He said his programme would consolidate the current administration’s THEMES Plus agenda while drawing on the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
However, he insisted that his candidacy should not be regarded merely as an entitlement arising from his position as deputy governor.
“I do not take this as an inheritance. I take it as a standard I must uphold and exceed,” he said.
The deputy governor urged Lagosians to examine the manifesto critically and hold him accountable for every commitment if elected.
“A promise is a load. I have lifted it onto my head before you. I am asking you to watch me carry it,” he said.
“Watch me carry it when the applause is gone. Watch me carry it when the choices are difficult. Watch me carry it when the numbers are inconvenient. And watch me carry it all the way, until the work is done.”
He added: “This is the mandate I ask of you: the opportunity to serve as your Governor, the responsibility to deliver and the duty to answer to you.”
