Time Out, the Uk travel magazine in its recent survey, came out with a revelation. In its 2023 – 2024 most preferred cities worth visiting around the world, Lagos featured among the first 20 top cities globally. The whole world was aghast, while Nigerians were actually dumbfounded and as for Lagosians, it was, could this be a prank being played on them and their beloved city. Well the truth is, Lagos had been going through a transformation, both physically and psychologically.
On the part of the Lagos state government, it came up with the New Lagos mantra, but importantly religiously put in the work to change the face of Lagos through regeneration projects, which eventually changed the perception of a city which at a time was referred to as one the few hellholes on earth, from an habitation standpoint.
Also over the past two decades Lagos has become Nigeria’s de facto entertainment and creative capital. Innovation within the same period of time, has found an anchor in Lagos. Thus silently Lagos was transforming itself without resorting to propaganda.
The regeneration of Lagos and its change of narrative started in Lekki, a sprawling sea of sand and land, kissing the Atlantic Ocean. In Lekki and adjoining Islands, ideas and opportunities collided, giving birth to businesses. The Landmark Beach Resort found its spot in Lekki and grew to a huge success to behold. The Landmark Resort and other ventures have contributed significantly to the growth of New Lagos and of course transformed positively how the city is now viewed, a place to be. So, if Time Out magazine says that Lagos is one of the top 20 cities of the world in 2023-2024, then that needs to be noted based on the magazine’s reputation.
The recent demolition of part of Landmark Beach Resort, however exposed the shoddiness of Nigerian politics, which isn’t isolated from corruption. A situation where regulations and policies are stated clearly, would have presented to the proponents of the business the risk of building the resort on what later turned out to a disputed landed area. In Ikeja, capital of Lagos state, a land registry exists and this department would have an archive of government land in different parts of the state.
Landmark is the high point in recent months of demolition related controversies. An interplay of government officials supposedly going about enforcing environmental and building regulations, while home and business owners state their innocence of following the rules. In Mende, a middle class suburb in Lagos, home owners were also faced with the reality of having their properties demolished for obstructing the flow of natural drainage system in the area. The Mende residents argued that their properties passed the government approval. On the part of government its argument is that some officials may have aided property developers to circumvent planning permission.
The Lagos state government’s enthusiasm to change the face of the city state though commendable, could easily be stopped in its tracks if it’s not serious about putting its own house in order by routing out corruption among its ranks. Attracting investments and visitors and expanding the economy would only materialise in an environment that is transparent and integrity is normalised.
The thought of waking up early in the morning and seeing bulldozers creeping up on home owners or businesses is a big turn off for anyone considering to make Lagos their home or location for investments. The landmark drama should serve as a lesson to learn from, for both the Lagos state government and potential investors.
Olugbenga Adebanjo
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