News & Publications

By: Emmanuel Adefeso (Esq.)

The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, on Monday 24^th day of May, 2021 signed a Memorandum of Understanding (Mou), establishing the Lagos-Ogun Joint Development Commission for the socio-economic development of both states.

The Commission, according to the two governors is a common alliance between the two states to jointly tackle issues bordering on security, sanitation, traffic and transportation, waste management, water supply, land use planning, infrastructure development and maintenance, urban renewal, and slum upgrading, among others.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, which took place at the Presidential Lodge, Ibara Abeokuta, Ogun State capital, the host Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun said, the commission was a manifestation of the desire of the two states to attain rapid socioeconomic development and address the lingering boundary issues between both states. The governor hinted that a bill will be transmitted to the Houses of Assembly of both Ogun and Lagos States to give the commission the necessary legal backing.

In his address, Governor Sanwo-Olu described the two States as Siamese twins connected by geography, commerce and cultural affinities, saying the synergy was to explore common development issues to stimulate growth. According to the Governor of Lagos State, the MoU would enable the two States to mutually tackle issues prevalent in key economic sectors, including transportation, the environment, housing, health, infrastructure and security. He said: “The Memorandum of Understanding being signed today is a game changer that will transform the urban agglomeration that exists between Lagos and Ogun States”. We are driven by the desire to stimulate socio-economic growth, bridge development gaps and ensure that Lagos’ megacity status is complemented by pervasive infrastructural development even in boundary towns.

This collaboration between the two states would lead to transformative progress of both States and prosperity of their residents with multiplier effects for inter-state and intra-state trade and commerce. Also, the alliance will accelerate integration of physical and socio-economic developments. Indeed, this is the first of its kind and it is highly commendable and recommended to other states of the federation.

Disclaimer: This news update is intended only to provide general information and does not by itself constitute or serve as legal advice. For further information, we are available to provide detailed legal advice. For more information contact us on info@asalawpractice.org or call 0908 482 0000, 0806 749 8777