Lagos State: A Land Built by Governors

Lagos, Nigeria’s economic heartbeat, didn’t just grow overnight — it was shaped by visionary leaders who dared to dream and deliver. From chaotic traffic jams to mega flyovers, from slums to smart cities, these 5 governors transformed Lagos in ways that still shape the lives of over 20 million residents. Eyes Of Lagos reports,

Let’s break down the Top 5 Best Performing Lagos State Governors — based on verified achievements, project completion, and impact on the average Lagosian.

🥇 1. Babatunde Raji Fashola (2007–2015) – “Mr. Infrastructure”

Why He’s #1:
Fashola literally redefined what it meant to be a Lagos governor. Under his leadership, Lagos saw massive infrastructure upgrades, including:

• 🚧 Construction of major roads like Lekki-Epe Expressway and expansion of BRT lanes

• 💡 Launch of Lagos Light-Up project (solar-powered streetlights)

• 🧹 Beautification projects and urban green spaces (Freedom Park, Tinubu Square)

• 🏥 Revamped health facilities and public schools

• 🛑 First to rigorously enforce environmental and traffic laws (remember KAI and LASTMA?)

Legacy Quote: “Fashola gave us sanity on the roads — even if it meant getting your car impounded.”

🥈 2. Bola Ahmed Tinubu (1999–2007) – “The Architect of Modern Lagos”

Why He’s Here:
Though his administration was controversial, there’s no denying Tinubu laid the foundation for modern Lagos governance:

• 🏗 Created LASTMA, LASEPA, KAI, and LAWMA for city management

• 💰 Pioneered Lagos’ internal revenue reform – grew IGR from ₦600M to over ₦7B monthly

• 🔁 Kickstarted public-private partnerships for roads and housing

• 📈 Strengthened Lagos’ autonomy against federal control – a game-changer

Legacy: Tinubu built the structures that allowed Fashola and others to thrive.

🥉 3. Lateef Jakande (1979–1983) – “The People’s Governor”

Why He’s a Legend:
Despite serving for only 4 years, Jakande delivered like no other in terms of mass development:

• 🏘 Built over 20,000 low-cost housing units (Jakande Estates)

• 🏫 Built 11 new secondary schools and several tertiary institutions

• 🚍 Introduced the Lagos Metroline Project (abandoned by Buhari’s military regime)

• 📚 Free education and school sandals for all public pupils

• 🛣 Constructed over 30 roads and bridges

Legacy Quote: “He worked like he had only one term — and didn’t waste a second.”

🎯 4. Akinwunmi Ambode (2015–2019) – “The Silent Achiever”

Why He Deserves Credit:

Ambode brought in smart tech and massive capital projects with little noise:

• 🌉 Completed Ajah and Abule-Egba Flyovers

• 🚦 Installed 100+ traffic lights and new signal systems

• 🎨 Launched Lagos @ 50, beautifying historical landmarks

• 🛡 Revamped security via Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps and tech-driven response

• 🚨 Built over 114 inner-city roads in just 2 years

Why He’s Underrated: His silent performance didn’t win him a second term — but the roads are still there.

🛠 5. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu (2019–Present) – “The Builder Under Pressure”

Why He Makes the List (So Far):

Sanwo-Olu has faced COVID-19, #EndSARS, flooding, and a population explosion. Yet, he pushed on:

• 🚇 Completion of Lagos Blue Rail Line (finally!)

• 🚧 Massive investment in road repairs and traffic control

• 🏥 Upgraded health infrastructure during pandemic

• 🚌 Expanded BRT and launched First & Last Mile mini buses

• 🏗 Started Lekki Regional Road, 4th Mainland Bridge project underway

Verdict: Still in office, but Sanwo-Olu is already ticking boxes others couldn’t.

💬 What X (formerly Twitter) Users Are Saying:

@OlaOfLagos: “Fashola’s tenure was like a dream. We need that energy again.”
@NeneTraffic: “Say what you want about Tinubu, but LASTMA was needed!”
@Jakande4Life: “Nobody touches Baba Jakande’s legacy. Nobody.”
@AmbodeStan: “Ambode’s exit was political. Lagos missed out big time.”
@RealLasGidi: “Sanwo-Olu dey try, but Lagos problem no dey finish.”

✍️ Final Thoughts

Lagos may be chaotic, but its transformation over the decades is no accident. These governors each left a footprint on the sands of Eko — from streetlights to bridges, estates to rail lines.

💡 So, who’s your favorite Lagos governor and why? Tell us in the comments!