Hamzat Unveils 100-Point Lagos Manifesto, Promises 4,000 Buses

By Ibrahim Kegbegbe

Lagos, October 30, 2026
The Lagos State Deputy Governor and All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for the 2027 election, Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, has unveiled a 100-point development manifesto, promising improvements in healthcare, education, transportation, affordable housing, job creation, security and public accountability.

The manifesto, titled The Lagos PROMISE (Ìlérí Èkó), is built around seven pillars: People First, Renewal, Opportunity, Machinery of Government, Inclusion, Security and Resilience, and Everyday Dignity. Hamzat said 87 of its 100 pledges were firm commitments, while the document would provide a framework for residents to monitor his performance if elected governor.

Presenting the agenda on Friday at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, formerly the National Theatre, in Iganmu, Lagos, Hamzat said his vision was anchored on the principles of Iteriba (Respect), Ise (Work) and Otito (Truth).

“A promise is a debt. As we say, ‘Gbese ni Ileri,’” the APC candidate declared, emphasising that political commitments should be measurable and open to public scrutiny.

He urged Lagos residents to read the manifesto, question its proposals and hold him accountable for their implementation, adding that his accountability framework would begin within his first 100 days in office if elected.

On transportation, Hamzat promised to increase the state’s bus fleet from about 1,000 to 4,000, with a target of transporting one million passengers daily. He also outlined plans to expand rail services, strengthen ferry operations and integrate road, rail and water transportation through a unified ticketing and timetable system.

“Lagos is a water state. The lagoon must therefore be our third highway. One ticket, one timetable, one integrated service across rail, road and water,” he said.

The proposed transport improvements include expanding water transport corridors, rehabilitating ferry terminals, procuring electric ferries and advancing major road and bridge projects. Hamzat also pledged to pursue the Fourth Mainland Bridge through partnerships and improve connectivity across the state.

In healthcare, the candidate promised to increase the number of maternal and child centres from 10 to 15 and expand enrolment in the Ilera Eko health insurance scheme, with a target of covering one in every three Lagos residents, prioritising poorer households.

He also pledged to deliver the new 150-bed Massey Children’s Hospital and a 280-bed general hospital, complete the ongoing 150-bed Somolu General Hospital project and establish two additional general hospitals at Ogombo and Ibeju-Lekki. The proposals include upgrading 100 primary healthcare centres and recruiting more doctors, nurses and midwives.

On education, Hamzat promised to strengthen public schools, improve foundational learning and expand initiatives designed to support pupils in and outside the classroom. He also pledged further training for teachers, improved compensation packages and stronger links between technical education and employers’ needs.

The manifesto also places emphasis on small businesses, artisans, traders and young people. Hamzat proposed simplifying government charges and permit processes, improving access to credit and providing vocational training aligned with labour-market demands.

Under the proposed skills-development programme, eligible trainees would undertake placements lasting between six and 12 months, with the state covering 40 per cent of their stipends. He also promised free workplace-based certification for artisans and other workers seeking formal recognition of their practical skills.

On housing, the APC candidate pledged to complete ongoing housing projects and promote affordable homeownership through partnerships with private developers. Proposed measures include access to mortgages with a 10 per cent initial deposit, single-digit interest rates and longer repayment periods.

Security and environmental protection also feature prominently in the agenda. Hamzat promised to extend neighbourhood safety operations across the state’s local government areas and local council development areas, strengthen street lighting and CCTV surveillance, and establish a state intelligence centre to address cybercrime, financial crimes and organised criminal activities.

He further pledged improved welfare for security personnel and an independent mechanism for reviewing complaints against officers and security agencies.

On water supply and waste management, the candidate outlined plans to expand access to potable water, rehabilitate 24 micro and mini waterworks, repair water mains and improve public water distribution. His environmental proposals include targeting 95 per cent coverage through improved community-based waste collection and integrating about 30,000 waste collectors and sorters into the formal waste management system.

Hamzat said the manifesto builds on the development efforts of previous administrations and the incumbent government’s THEMES Plus agenda, while seeking to address outstanding challenges and improve the quality of life of residents.

He also stressed the importance of protecting children and vulnerable residents, regardless of their parents’ origins, language or religious beliefs.

“If you are a child and you live in Lagos, then you are a child of Lagos. Wherever your parents were born, whatever language you speak, and whatever faith your family practises, Lagos will know your name, Lagos will work for you, Lagos will protect you,” he said.

The Merit Newspaper reports that the unveiling comes as political parties and candidates prepare for the 2027 governorship election, with infrastructure, public services, job creation and the cost of living expected to remain important issues for voters.

For Hamzat, the central test of the manifesto will be whether its commitments can be translated into tangible improvements in residents’ daily lives. His proposed public scorecard is intended to give Lagosians a means of assessing progress against the promises.

“I ask you to read the PROMISE, question it and hold me accountable,” he said.

“Lagos has given me a lifetime of work. Today, I give Lagos my PROMISE.”