Development must be seen, felt, says Tinubu
In a city long defined by its relentless pace and gridlocked arteries, a new bridge now stands as a symbol of movement. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday inaugurated the newly
- Sanwo-Olu: we’ve solved major bottlenecks in traffic management, land administration
- By Zainab Olufemi
In a city long defined by its relentless pace and gridlocked arteries, a new bridge now stands as a symbol of movement.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday inaugurated the newly completed Ojota-Opebi Link Bridge.
He hailed Lagos State’s rising profile in infrastructure delivery as he opened a series of landmark projects.
He declared that the state has set a new benchmark for quality and purposeful development in Nigeria.
The President, who governed Lagos for eight years and is widely credited with laying the foundation for its modern transformation, spoke with a sense of continuity and pride.
The bridge was first conceived during his administration in 2002 but brought to fruition by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
The 5.04-kilometre transport corridor was among three key projects inaugurated on the first day of President Tinubu’s two-day working visit to Lagos.
The others are the five-storey Lagos State Geographic Information System (LAGIS) Building and a multi-agency administrative complex, both located in Alausa, Ikeja.
Represented at the event by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, President Tinubu said the projects reflect a deliberate commitment to people-centred governance and demonstrate that Lagos has not been overwhelmed by the challenges of rapid urbanisation.
He described the Ojota-Opebi Link Bridge as more than just a physical structure, but a critical enabler of economic growth and improved quality of life.
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President Tinubu said: “The Ojota-Opebi Link Bridge is more than infrastructure; it is a bridge to opportunities.
“In a busy city like Lagos, vehicular movement is not just about commuting; it is directly tied to economic well-being.
“When traffic flows, productivity improves. When time is saved, businesses grow. When access is easier, living standards improve.”
The President added that the projects send a clear message that Lagos continues to confront its mobility challenges with innovation and resilience, positioning itself as a leading model among Nigeria’s most progressive states.
President Tinubu expressed appreciation to the Lagos State Government for naming the newly completed administrative complex after him.
He emphasised that the LAGIS Building represents the future of transparent and efficient land administration, stressing that data and technology are no longer optional tools but essential instruments for modern governance.
He noted that he accepted the honour of it being named the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Administrative Complex (BATAC) with humility.
According to him, the projects align with his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to build a digitally enabled and economically vibrant Nigeria.
“By the quality of these projects, Governor Sanwo-Olu has set another standard in project delivery,” President Tinubu said, urging other states to emulate Lagos’ example.
He added that the administrative complex is an investment in efficiency, coordination and improved service delivery, noting that it will strengthen the government’s institutional capacity.
“These achievements go beyond the ability of one man. They reflect a system that is working; a public service that continues to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu described the projects as distinct yet complementary investments designed to address key governance challenges.
He said the Ojota-Opebi Link Bridge would significantly ease congestion along the Ikeja-Maryland-Ojota corridor while improving the overall commuting experience.
According to the governor, the project was completed with modern features, including pedestrian walkways, bicycle lanes, solar-powered streetlights and embedded service ducts.
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Sanwo-Olu said: “We have built not just for today’s needs, but with a clear eye on the ever-expanding demands of the future.
“As part of this project, we have integrated a comprehensive stormwater management system to address the long-standing flooding challenges along the Odo-Iya-Alaro corridor, thereby strengthening environmental resilience.”
On land administration, the governor said the LAGIS Building marks a major shift from manual processes to a fully digitised system that eliminates bureaucratic bottlenecks, strengthens property rights and unlocks economic value.
“At its core, this is about improving the ease of doing business and ensuring that land administration in Lagos meets global standards,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu added that the multi-agency administrative complex was designed to enhance coordination among government agencies and improve service delivery by housing them in a single, integrated environment.
He said: “The facility directly addresses the need to improve the speed, efficiency and responsiveness of public service.
“It is a significant step towards achieving a 21st-century, citizen-focused government.”
Explaining the decision to name the complex after President Tinubu, the governor said it was in recognition of the President’s enduring contributions to Lagos’ institutional development and transformation.
The complex, situated on about 2.01 hectares within the State Secretariat, comprises four vertical blocks with over 7,362 square metres of office space.
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It features conference facilities, a penthouse, parking for more than 300 vehicles, and fully integrated mechanical, electrical and safety systems.
The ceremony attracted a high-powered delegation, including governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC) led by Hope Uzodimma, members of the Lagos State Executive Council, lawmakers, Governance Advisory Council members, and local government chairmen.
In a separate address, President Tinubu reiterated that Lagos continues to distinguish itself through sustained investment in infrastructure, innovation and institutional reform.
He said: “Lagos is working, Lagos is moving forward, Lagos is setting examples, and Nigeria needs to emulate Lagos.”
He stressed that strategic infrastructure remains critical in a megacity, noting that improved mobility directly translates into higher productivity and economic growth.
The Ojota-Opebi Link Bridge, he added, provides a vital alternative route linking Opebi and Allen to Ikorodu Road, thereby reducing travel time and easing pressure on existing roads.
“When traffic improves, productivity increases. When time is saved, businesses grow, and life becomes easier for the people,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu, who noted that his administration has just over a year left in office, reaffirmed his commitment to delivering tangible outcomes under the THEMES+ development agenda.
He said: “At its most effective, governance is about building institutions, systems and opportunities for people to thrive.
“The true measure of governance is not in plans, but in results.”
The President’s visit continues today, with more projects expected to be unveiled as Lagos sustains its push to redefine urban development and public service delivery in Nigeria.
