Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has received the 2026 Global Transformation and Good Governance Prize at the Warner Theatre in Washington, D.C., United States. Sanwo-Olu disclosed this in a post on X, saying he accepted the award on behalf of more than 25 million Lagos residents and used the occasion……
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has received the 2026 Global Transformation and Good Governance Prize at the Warner Theatre in Washington, D.C., United States.
Sanwo-Olu disclosed this in a post on X, saying he accepted the award on behalf of more than 25 million Lagos residents and used the occasion to highlight the state’s investment opportunities.
“I was honoured to receive the 2026 Global Transformation and Good Governance Prize at the Warner Theatre in Washington, D.C., this weekend,” the governor said.
He said the recognition provided an opportunity to present Lagos as one of Africa’s leading investment destinations, particularly through its infrastructure, growing markets and expanding opportunities.
“I accepted the award on behalf of more than 25 million Lagosians and used the opportunity to make the case for Lagos as one of Africa’s most compelling investment destinations,” Sanwo-Olu said.
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According to the governor, the future of investment in Africa will increasingly depend on cities capable of connecting infrastructure with markets and creating an environment where businesses can expand and residents can access opportunities.
“The future of African investment will be shaped by cities where infrastructure connects markets, businesses can grow and people can access opportunity. Lagos is already building in that direction,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu said Lagos occupies less than 0.5 per cent of Nigeria’s landmass but contributes more than a quarter of the country’s economic output, with the state’s economy estimated at about $259 billion.
“Our State covers less than 0.5% of Nigeria’s landmass and we generate more than a quarter of Nigeria’s economic output. With an economy worth roughly $259 billion, we are building an economy that is less dependent on crude oil revenues,” he said.
He added that more than half of the state’s N4.4 trillion budget for 2026 was being committed to capital projects, supported by a projected internally generated revenue of more than N3 trillion.
The governor also highlighted Lagos’ technology and business ecosystem, saying the state is home to sub-Saharan Africa’s leading startup ecosystem, valued at $8.6 billion, with three active unicorns.
He pointed to the $1.5 billion Lekki Deep Sea Port, which he said handles roughly 40 per cent of Nigeria’s cargo, as well as the 650,000-barrel-per-day Lekki Refinery.
On transportation, Sanwo-Olu said the Blue Line rail service had carried more than eight million passengers, while new eight-car trains were expected to raise the Red Line’s capacity to 500,000 passengers daily.
He also cited the €410 million Omi Eko project, through which the state is deploying 75 electric ferries across 15 water routes.
“By 2050, Africa will add nearly one billion urban residents. If you want to invest in Africa, look closely at the cities where governance, infrastructure and execution are creating real opportunities,” Sanwo-Olu said.
