Nigeria’s global perception shifting positively, says Sanwo-Olu
By Adeola Ogunrinde
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, expressed confidence on Sunday that Nigeria’s global perception is shifting positively due to the country’s recent economic reforms and initiatives led by President Bola Tinubu.
Speaking at the 2025 Lagos Annual Thanksgiving Service, themed “Harvest of Thanksgiving,” held at Tafawa Balewa Square, Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasized the transformative changes underway in Nigeria, particularly under President Tinubu’s leadership.
Reflecting on the challenges faced by the nation and state in 2024, Sanwo-Olu acknowledged the necessity of tough economic decisions, saying:
“In 2024, we faced tough and difficult, but necessary, decisions. Under the leadership of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we tackled long-overdue economic reforms to lay the foundation for the country of our dreams.”
While recognizing that these reforms caused short-term hardships for many Nigerians, the governor expressed optimism, stating the sacrifices would soon yield long-term benefits.
“We are already seeing the emerging shoots of the positive outcomes of these reforms. The harvest that awaits us as Nigerians, following our many sacrifices and perseverance, will be a very gratifying one,” he added.
Sanwo-Olu highlighted signs of progress, including growing public revenues and improving macroeconomic stability. He also pointed to positive developments in job creation, investments, and social welfare, mentioning that Lagos is now paying the newly approved national minimum wage and going beyond the minimum.
Reviewing the nation’s economic performance in 2024, he cited the Nigerian stock market’s impressive growth, with the All-Share Index closing the year above the 100,000-mark.
The governor also celebrated Lagos’ infrastructure achievements, such as the commissioning of the first phase of the Red Line, progress on the Blue Line project, and large-scale initiatives like the food and logistics park and a new children’s hospital, both among the largest in Africa.
He noted the increasing influx of Nigerians from the diaspora, particularly to Lagos, as evidence of the country’s immense cultural and economic potential.
“We have seen an exciting glimpse of the huge economic and cultural potential that lies in the enthusiastic homecoming of our people from around the world,” he said, urging efforts to harness this potential in the coming years.
Sanwo-Olu further commended private sector contributions, including the commencement of petrol production at the Dangote Refinery and the groundbreaking of the 12,000-seat Lagos Arena, which is set to redefine Nigeria’s arts and entertainment industry.
Expressing confidence in the country’s future, the governor concluded that Nigeria’s global image would continue to improve as the reforms drive economic transformation and social progress.
