Sanwo-Olu Addresses Lagos' Global Economic Role at King's College

On March 6, 2026, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu delivered a keynote address titled "Exercise Agency Beyond the Nation State" at King's College London. His speech highlighted the economic trends and urban challenges facing Lagos, Nigeria, and its connection to global issues.

Sanwo-Olu emphasized that Lagos, despite occupying a small fraction of Nigeria's landmass, is Africa's second-largest city by economy, with a GDP of approximately $259 billion on a purchasing power parity basis. He discussed the city's demographic changes, with a median age of 23.5 years and a significant influx of 2,000 new migrants daily, which creates demands for transport, housing, health systems, and education.

Sanwo-Olu argued that Lagos should not be viewed merely as an administrative unit but as a strategic actor in global conversations, advocating for a governance framework that addresses social inclusion, gender equality, and youth engagement. He underscored the importance of effective transport and infrastructure management to unlock the city's potential and navigate challenges such as climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic.