10 things that may change in Lagos in 2016

What will be the new face of Lagos in 2016? How will the new government in power react to the new dynamics that will confront the state this year?

We bring you some predictions that may happen in Lagos in the new year.

1.More infrastructure development: Lagos will witness more infrastructure upgrade in 2016. With a capital expenditure put at N383,678 billion, Lagos state governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, said:

“We plan to use the 2016 budget to strategically build new infrastructure, while we continue to maintain existing ones’’.

The administration is already making good its plans with the planned construction of a fly over on the notorious Ajah roundabout.

2.Ambode will assert himself: Following criticism of his slow pace, the governor will want to use 2016 to prove a point that the he can surpass the achievements of former governor Fashola.

3.More people will arrive in Lagos: As usual more people will arrive in Lagos in 2016 than they have done in previous years. As Lagos is perceived to provide the opportunities, the city will continue to be the destination of choice by Nigerians.

4.Entrepreneurship: As job loss continues to plague both public and private sector, more people will look inwards to create employment through entrepreneurship.

5.Innovation: Young people will take the lead in innovation this year. As more young Nigerians arrive having completed their studies abroad, Lagos will become the base for startups by these young, ambitious Nigerians.

6.Security: We saw how the government of Lagos beefed up security in the state in 2016 with the provision of police equipment.

This had resulted from a spate of violent crime that had gripped the city in 2015. Lagosians should expect more police presence given the global importance of Lagos.

7.Rents will go up: Well, needless to add that the cost of property and rent will skyrocket this year for obvious reasons.

8. Young People will get involved: Young Nigerians are becoming more politically savvy. We will see an increased participation of young people in the social economic life of the state.

9.More FDR: Foreign direct investment will boost the economy of the state. More companies will arrive in Lagos to test the waters.

10.Traffic will increase: Traffic gridlock has come to define Lagos. This will increase in 2016 unless the government can do something drastic about it.

In your own view, what do you think may change in Lagos this year? Let us know what you think.