Bamidele Wants Lagos to Join Forces With Southwest States for Bigger Development

(The Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele. Photo by Punch News)

Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele has asked the Lagos State Government to set up a regional development and investment compact.

He wants it to coordinate roads, economic corridors and investment across the Southwest.

He made the call on Thursday at the Lagos Physical Planning Summit at Eko Hotel and Suites in Victoria Island.

He said Lagos cannot plan on its own, because its economy is tied to neighbouring states through workers, trade, housing, farming, factories and transport.

He proposed a Lagos-Southwest Spatial Development and Investment Compact.

It would bring in Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo and Ekiti, along with federal agencies, planning bodies, private firms and development partners.

It would focus on regional transport, economic corridors, cross border city planning, environmental protection and attracting investment.

He also urged Lagos to push digital growth, including broadband, smart city systems, innovation hubs and digital skills training for workers.

He said the success of any plan will depend on how well it is funded, coordinated and carried out, and that the state needs strong institutions, clear rules and honest financing.