Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has described promises by politicians to restore Nigeria’s fuel subsidy as unrealistic campaign rhetoric that could mislead Nigerians ahead of the 2027 elections.
Sanwo-Olu made the remarks while delivering the 7th Freedom Online Newspaper Lecture in Lagos, themed, “2027 Elections, Economy, Security and Nigeria’s Future.”
The event, held at the Sheraton Lagos Hotel in Ikeja, was chaired by former Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, while former Ogun State Governor and serving Senator, Gbenga Daniel, attended as the Special Guest of Honour.
Speaking on the country’s economic reforms, Sanwo-Olu defended President Bola Tinubu’s decision to remove the fuel subsidy, arguing that the policy had become a major drain on government finances.
According to him, the subsidy was originally introduced to address weaknesses in domestic fuel supply but eventually became a financial burden that diverted funds that could have been used for infrastructure, healthcare and education.
The governor acknowledged that subsidy removal had caused hardship for Nigerians, particularly through higher fuel and food prices. However, he maintained that the reform was necessary to put the economy on a more sustainable path.
Sanwo-Olu said politicians promising to bring back the subsidy should be questioned about how they intend to finance such a policy.
He argued that with presidential campaigns gradually gathering momentum, Nigerians should expect more promises that government revenues may not be able to support.
The Lagos governor also highlighted what he described as improvements in the economy under the Tinubu administration, including increased revenue sharing to states and local governments, stronger external reserves, declining inflation and improved economic growth.
He said Nigeria’s economy recorded growth across key sectors, including agriculture and services, while remittances from Nigerians abroad also reached a record monthly level through formal channels.
Sanwo-Olu further defended the government’s approach to security, saying poverty and unemployment remained major drivers of insecurity.
He cited various government interventions targeting young Nigerians, including student financing, technical skills development, youth enterprise programmes and employment initiatives.
On democracy and the 2027 elections, the governor said Nigeria’s electoral system had continued to improve, pointing to recent reforms and the increased use of technology in voter verification and result transmission.
He urged the Independent National Electoral Commission to ensure it is fully prepared for the 2027 elections and called on Nigerians to support efforts aimed at strengthening the electoral process.
Former Information Minister Lai Mohammed, who chaired the event, also stressed the connection between economic inclusion, security and political stability.
He argued that young Nigerians who have access to jobs and opportunities are less vulnerable to political manipulation and electoral violence.
According to him, the 2027 election should not be viewed solely as a contest for political power but as an opportunity to strengthen institutions, attract investment and promote national development.
The convener of the lecture and Editor-in-Chief of Freedom Online, Gabriel Akinadewo, said the event was organised at a time of renewed political activities across the country.
He called on politicians to prioritise national development over political interests and urged lawmakers to modernise outdated Nigerian laws to reflect present-day realities.
The lecture ended with renewed calls for political stability, economic reforms, stronger institutions and a more sustainable approach to Nigeria’s development ahead of the 2027 elections.
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Rwanda vs Nigeria: Chelle reignites the Super Eagles’ aspirations for the 2026 World Cup in Kigali.
On Friday, Eric Chelle became the inaugural non-Nigerian African coach to take the helm of the Super Eagles. The Malian coach directed his first match, resulting in a 2-0 win against Rwanda during a qualifying round for the 2026 World Cup. Chelle's appointment by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) took place on January 7, as he replaced Finidi George and succeeded interim coach Augustine Eguavoen. Since that time, he has dedicated three months to traveling across Nigeria, observing domestic league matches, and engaging with his players based in Europe. However, his initial team selection remained perplexing. Chelle opted for a highly offensive formation in Kigali, which appeared unbalanced on paper. Victor Osimhen, Samuel Chukwueze, Ademola Lookman, and Moses Simon were all included in the attacking lineup, while Alex Iwobi and Wilfred Ndidi occupied the midfield positions. "I had mixed feelings. […]
2027 ELECTION: PROMISES TO RESTORE FUEL SUBSIDY ARE EMPTY CAMPAIGN BUZZ – SANWO-OLU
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has described promises by politicians to restore Nigeria’s fuel subsidy as unrealistic campaign rhetoric that could mislead Nigerians ahead of the 2027 elections. Sanwo-Olu made the remarks while delivering the 7th Freedom Online Newspaper Lecture in Lagos, themed, “2027 Elections, Economy, Security and Nigeria’s Future.” The event, held at the Sheraton Lagos Hotel in Ikeja, was chaired by former Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, while former Ogun State Governor and serving Senator, Gbenga Daniel, attended as the Special Guest of Honour. Speaking on the country’s economic reforms, Sanwo-Olu defended President Bola Tinubu’s decision to remove the fuel subsidy, arguing that the policy had become a major drain on government finances. According to him, the subsidy was originally introduced to address weaknesses in domestic fuel supply but eventually became a financial burden that diverted […]
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Customs hands over N3.95b seized drugs to NDLEA
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