Babajide Sanwo-Olu
Lagos State | Governor
Lagos State | Governor
Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu (born 25 June 1965) is a Nigerian politician and public administrator who has served as the 15th Governor of Lagos State since 29 May 2019 under the All Progressives Congress (APC). He was re-elected in March 2023.
Born in Lagos, Sanwo-Olu was educated at Government Demonstration School, Surulere, and Ijebu-Ife Grammar School. He holds a BSc in Surveying and Geo-Informatics and an MBA from the University of Lagos, alongside executive training from London Business School, Lagos Business School, and Harvard Kennedy School.
Before politics, he built a strong career in banking and the private sector, holding senior roles at Lead Merchant Bank, UBA, and FCMB, and chairing private companies.
He entered public service in 2003 and served in several key Lagos State roles, including Commissioner for Commerce & Industry, Commissioner for Establishments, Training & Pensions, and MD/CEO of the Lagos State Development and Property Corporation (LSDPC).
Elected governor in 2019, Sanwo-Olu leads Lagos with the Project T.H.E.M.E.S. agenda, focusing on transportation, health, education, security, and economic development.
His administration has driven major infrastructure and transport reforms, strengthened governance, and pursued social initiatives. He is married to Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, has four children, and has received multiple public service and leadership awards.
Timeline of major policies and initiatives under Babajide Sanwo-Olu, structured around his two terms as Governor of Lagos State.
Timeline of Major Policies & Initiatives
2019 – Assumption of Office
Policy Framework Launched
Introduction of Project T.H.E.M.E.S.
(Traffic Management & Transportation, Health & Environment, Education & Technology, Making Lagos a 21st Century Economy, Security & Governance)
Focus on continuity of key infrastructure projects started by previous administrations.
2020 – Health Emergency & Economic Stabilisation
COVID-19 Response
Establishment and expansion of Isolation and Treatment Centres.
Launch of Lagos COVID-19 Emergency Food Response Programme.
Strengthening of the Lagos State Emergency Operations Centre (EOC).
Economic Support
Support packages for SMEs and vulnerable households.
Digital tracking of palliatives and social welfare.
2021 – Infrastructure & Social Systems
Transportation
Completion and commissioning of the Oshodi Transport Interchange.
Expansion of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridors.
Security
Upgrade of the Lagos Command & Control Centre.
Increased funding and equipment for security agencies via the Lagos Security Trust Fund.
Education
Recruitment of teachers and rehabilitation of public schools.
Digital learning initiatives in public secondary schools.
2022 – Mega Projects & Urban Development
Rail Transport
Completion and test runs of the Lagos Blue Line Rail (Okokomaiko–Marina).
Housing
Delivery of multiple affordable housing estates across Lagos divisions.
Mortgage support via Lagos State home ownership schemes.
Environment
Drainage rehabilitation to reduce flooding.
Waste management reforms with PSP operators.
2023 – Second Term & Economic Expansion
Re-election & Policy Continuity
Re-elected Governor (May 2023).
Renewal of commitment to Project T.H.E.M.E.S.+ (expanded version).
Transportation
Official commissioning and passenger operation of the Lagos Blue Line Rail.
Acceleration of Red Line Rail (Agbado–Oyingbo).
2024 – Technology & Investment
Digital Economy
Expansion of Lagos Innovation Hubs.
Support for startups and tech talent development.
Revenue & Governance
Improved Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) systems.
Digitisation of land administration and tax payments.
2025 – Social Infrastructure & Global Positioning
Healthcare
Completion and upgrade of General Hospitals and Primary Health Centres.
Recruitment of healthcare professionals.
Investment & Diaspora Engagement
Strong focus on attracting foreign and diaspora investment.
Positioning Lagos as a sub-Saharan Africa business hub.
Key Policy Legacy So Far
Rail transport revolution (Blue Line & Red Line).
Strong crisis management during COVID-19.
Improved security coordination.
Continued housing delivery and urban renewal.
Digital governance and tech-driven economy.