Lagos State Deputy Governor and APC governorship candidate, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, has outlined key areas of his vision for Lagos, with emphasis on transportation, housing, small businesses, accountability and child welfare.
Hamzat spoke at a town hall meeting with Generation Z and millennials held at the Marriott Hotel, Ikeja GRA, Lagos, on Thursday, October 1, 2026, as part of activities marking Nigeria’s Independence Day.
The engagement, organised by Pastor Poju Oyemade, provided an opportunity for young Lagosians to ask questions about the future of the state. Hamzat spoke extensively about his background, experience in public service and his vision for Lagos.
Speaking about his personal connection with Lagos, Hamzat said he was born and raised in Mushin and attended primary school in the community.
“I was born in Mushin. I went to primary school there. I donated a library to the school,” he said.
Hamzat also reflected on the importance of planning and continuity in governance, stressing that government must have clearly defined plans and the discipline to execute them.
“Government can change people when they plan well. They have a role to play,” he said, while stressing the need for government to ensure that development does not leave people behind.
Transportation, Housing Top Priorities
On transportation and housing, Hamzat acknowledged the pressure created by Lagos’ growing population and limited land space.
Responding to a question on the rising cost of transportation and housing and what could be done differently, he said: “Lagos is small and the population is huge. We must complete all existing projects.”
He also pointed to the need to deepen access to mortgages, particularly for residents who want to own homes but cannot afford to make large upfront payments.
“We will deepen mortgage, where people pay for their homes,” he said.
Hamzat stressed that solving Lagos’ transportation challenges would require sustained planning and implementation rather than isolated interventions.
He also spoke about the importance of preparing Lagos for future growth, noting that the state must continue to anticipate the needs of its rapidly expanding population.
Support for SMEs
Responding to a question on what could be done to help businesses grow, Hamzat emphasised the need to create an environment where entrepreneurs and small businesses can survive and expand.
He said government must support businesses while ensuring that entrepreneurs understand how to manage their finances and operate sustainably.
The discussion also touched on the need for small businesses to be properly structured and brought into the formal economy.
Hamzat stressed that economic growth must be broad-based and should create opportunities for more Lagos residents to participate in the state’s economy.
Accountability and Measuring Government Performance
On how citizens would be able to hold government accountable, Hamzat referred to what he described as an accountability framework.
“There is an honour compact that tells what can be done, how and when,” he said.
According to him, such a framework would enable citizens to measure government commitments against actual delivery, rather than allowing political promises to remain general statements.
He also emphasised the importance of planning before implementation, stressing that government must have a clear understanding of what it intends to achieve and the timeframe for achieving it.
Proposed Child Welfare Agency
Hamzat also spoke about child welfare and the need for a more dedicated institutional structure to address issues affecting children.
He proposed the establishment of a Child Welfare Administration Agency, explaining that child welfare requires specialised attention.
“The Child Welfare Administration Agency is essential to manage every aspect of children,” he said.
He further explained that the proposed agency would be separated from the ministry responsible for youth affairs, allowing child welfare to receive dedicated administrative attention.
According to Hamzat, the objective would be to ensure that the welfare and development of children remain central to government planning.
Preparing Lagos for the Future
Hamzat also linked his vision for Lagos to the need for long-term planning, particularly as the state continues to experience population growth and increasing demands on infrastructure.
He said the government must anticipate emerging challenges and prepare adequately rather than waiting for problems to become crises.
“Lagos must be prepared,” he said, stressing the importance of planning and executing projects that would meet the needs of future generations.
The town hall provided Hamzat with an opportunity to engage directly with young Nigerians on issues ranging from transportation and housing to entrepreneurship, accountability and child welfare.
His responses centred on continuity in infrastructure development, stronger economic opportunities, institutional reforms and long-term planning as key elements of his vision for Lagos.
