The Secretary to the Lagos State Government, Mr. Tunji Bello says Lagos State has the capacity to become the African version of Hong Kong in the next 50 years.

Bello, who spoke at the ongoing 2017 Nigerian Bar Association Annual Conference in the Ajah area of the state which is a Special ‘Lagos State Showcase Session’ has however noted that the challenge against this dream was the present federal structure.

He said, “Would the Apapa Port and the Lagos International Airport remain derelict and obsolete if they were allowed to be managed by proper private investors under the local authorities as it is in most advanced economies?

“True federalism means the states exploiting their untapped and hidden potential, creating employment opportunities and guaranteeing a better future. It is time to move forward and truly practice what is just for a true federation.”

Bello stated that Nigeria was supposed to be a federation governed by federalist concepts and principles, adding that in reality, the country was being run as a unitary nation.

He said Lagos had been championing the principles of true federalism since 1999, adding that such had been done at a great sacrifice.

Bello urged lawyers to join forces with the Lagos State Government in building genuine institutions, stressing that it was time to collaborate and unlock the state.

“The time of sitting on the fence is over,” he added.

PUNCH