APC Aspirant :Jim-Kamal Pitches Maritime-Led Growth For Lagos , Unveils Okoya Thomas As Deputy
By Roland Ekama
Otunba Lanre Jim-Kamal, a governorship aspirant in Lagos on the All Progressives Congress (APC) platform, on Monday outlined a maritime-centred economic plan that he says sits at the core of a proposed $50 billion foreign investment package for the state if elected in 2027.
Speaking at a press briefing, Jim-Kamal said his foreign partners are prepared to channel up to $50 billion into Lagos with priorities including human capital development, healthcare, agriculture and critical infrastructure — but with a strong emphasis on unlocking the state’s coastal and waterway assets to drive revenue and jobs.
He said “We want to control our territorial waters, which is how we plan to generate revenue,” framing maritime development and optimisation of waterways as a major pillar of his economic transformation agenda.
He added that Lagos would seek close collaboration with the Federal Government, including the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, to ensure equitable distribution of wealth derived from maritime activities.
Key elements of his proposal include:
Maritime and waterways development for revenue generation, expanded port-related activities, and new income streams.
Partnerships with federal agencies to secure access, regulatory support and shared benefits from maritime operations.
For supporting infrastructure: road reconstruction, improved transport systems, mass housing and urban renewal to ease congestion around commercial and port areas, the politician reiterated that human capital and social investments plans are paramount when elected .
According to him, free education and healthcare, a N150,000 monthly lifetime allowance for citizens aged 60 and above, support for nursing mothers, youth housing, and empowerment programmes targeting youths and women.
For mechanised agriculture and enhanced waste management tied into wider urban development plans, Jim-Kamal said the maritime focus would not only boost state revenue but also create employment across logistics, ship services, fisheries, inland waterways transport, and port-related industries.
He argued that optimising territorial waters would transform Lagos into a more productive coastal economy while supporting social welfare and urban renewal.
On politics, he described President Bola Tinubu as “the number one democrat in Nigeria,” and acknowledged rising competition within the APC governorship contest, expressing concerns about consensus arrangements that have unsettled some party stakeholders.
The former New Nigeria People’s Party NNPP gubernatorial candidate also announced Abiola Okoya Thomas as his Deputy in the forthcoming election.