Former Lagos State Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola has generated renewed debate over the city’s developmental history with a bold claim that no new infrastructure was built in Lagos for three decades prior to his administration.
In a viral video shared on the social media platform X by user @theboyisgreat, Fashola is seen addressing an audience in a formal setting, stating, “For 30 years, nothing new was built in Lagos.”
Fashola served as governor from 2007 to 2015 and is widely credited with initiating transformative infrastructure projects, including the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, the Lagos Light Rail, and the Eko Atlantic City development.
His tenure marked a shift toward modern urban planning, aimed at repositioning Lagos as a global megacity.
His statement has spotlighted the era before his administration, especially the 1980s and 1990s, as well as Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s tenure from 1999 to 2007, which many analysts characterize as a period of stagnation in urban development.
“30 years and nothing new was built. that’s the reality. And immediately, we started replacing the infrastructure, we saw a corresponding development. In the past three months, we’ve put in 165km of new roads, about 72, 77km are under construction which is to be completed in about 6 months time,.’
“Another 129 kilometers are going on at various places and in about 15 to 20 months we should be finished.” Fashola said in the video.
Social media users have responded with mixed sentiments.
While some view Fashola’s statement as a candid reflection on past governance failures, others argue it oversimplifies the city’s complex developmental trajectory.
The post accompanying the video included the phrase “Agbado, your tears are very welcome,” hinting at underlying political tensions and rivalries.
Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial nerve center, continues to face mounting infrastructure challenges amid rapid population growth.
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