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By Lukman Olabiyi
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has expressed confidence that Nigeria’s global perception is shifting from negative to positive, attributing it to the country’s recent economic reforms and initiatives by President Bola Tinubu.
Speaking at the 2025 Lagos Annual Thanksgiving Service, themed: “Harvest of thanksgiving” at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Sanwo-Olu highlighted ongoing changes in Nigeria, especially under the leadership of President Tinubu.
Governor Sanwo-Olu acknowledged the challenges faced by the nation and state in 2024 but emphasised the necessity of tough economic decisions.
“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 acknowledging that the reforms had led to short-term hardships for many Nigerians, he is optimistic that the pain would soon give way to 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.”
Sanwo-Olu pointed to the country’s growing public revenues and improving macroeconomic stability as signs of progress.
He also highlighted the positive impact of the changes on job creation, investments, and social welfare, noting that the new national minimum wage is now being paid, with Lagos going beyond the minimum.
The governor touched on the nation’s economic performance in 2024, citing the Nigerian stock market’s impressive performance, with the All-Share Index closing the year above the 100,000-mark..
He celebrated Lagos’ infrastructure milestones, including the commissioning of the first phase of the Red Line and progress on the Blue Line project, along with the advancement of large-scale initiatives such as the food and logistics park and a new children’s hospital, both among the largest in Africa.
Sanwo-Olu also noted the significant influx of Nigerians from the diaspora, particularly in Lagos, which he described as a glimpse into the immense cultural and economic potential of the country.
“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.
The governor commended private sector achievements, including the start of petrol production at the Dangote Refinery and the groundbreaking of the 12,000-seat Lagos Arena, which promises to redefine Nigeria’s arts and entertainment sector.
He further expressed confidence that Nigeria’s future, powered by these reforms, would be bright, with the country’s global image continuing to improve in the coming years.
