Ambode, sack the hawks!

Figuratively speaking, governments all over the world have content and context on how to go about policies and execute same. Where there is noticeable flaw in implementation, such is regarded as “Lip Service”. Indeed, Lip service has become the second name of most governments in Africa, particularly in Nigeria. The case of Lagos State government is very historical and very interesting depending on where you are coming from and the kind of business you do with the State government.

During the military era, the Lagos government of Raji Rasaki through military edict notified the investing local and international communities that the entire land mass of Victoria Island down to Ibeju-Lekki as tourism lands. Specifically, this meant that from Ozunba Mbadiwe Water-front, Victoria beach (Bar Beach), the Oniru lands and others, the Lekki peninsula were meant for tourism and related investments. Indeed, investors came in droves, Happy land / Happy world, Tarzan Marine Services, Eko wonderlands and so many others.

Before the dawn of the day, some officials of that government cleverly sold off these areas to land speculators, who have no business in tourism, particularly the Lebanese. The edict was frustrated as the designated area became a land of cash flow for State government Officials and their cronies who through their unmonitored action aborted the dream of the government to sustain tourism investment flow into the state.

In fact, a major sadistic event which this reporter witnessed in the Late 90’s was very touching. The Eko Beaches Tourism Association, a body of tent and beach service operators in Lagos, went into a lease arrangement with Lagos ministry of Home Affairs and Culture in the management of Victoria beach, particularly in hosting of Musical entertainment during the Ramadan Festival. All was going well for both parties until the Lagos Officials from the State Home Affairs and Culture got greedy. The officials intimidated the poor local beach operators and demanded an 80/20 sharing ratio in an investment profile to which they brought nothing to the table except to grant permit.

That ugly scenario irked then Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola who after investigation demoted top officials of the Ministry. It however scared many others from doing business with the state as its officials got greedy by the day.

Governor Tinubu was very strategic but couldn’t do much due to Obasanjo’s government hounding of its various developmental plans. Hon Muiz Banire, his Commissioner for Transport, lost days of good sleep convincing investors to come and revive the dead water transportation in Lagos. It is no longer news that such institutional framework of Public Private Sector understanding is now very much threatened by activities of government officials hiding under the seal of the government. As it was with Raji Rasaki, Oyinlola Babatunde Fashola, so now it has also became the face governor Akinwunmi Ambode.

Ambode’s case is very telling because not too long ago in what many people considered a programmatic approach to attracting key investors and investments the State unveiled a “Lagos Global” initiative. From what is happening on Lagos Waterways and on the tourism clime, the hawks in Ambode’s government who wants money for their private pocket, may derail the initiative and paint the state black on its immediate and futuristic investment agenda.

The case corporate citizen Tarzan Marine Enterprises serves as a strong pointer to how not to encourage Local investment content in Lagos developmental agenda. Therefore, Governor Ambode as matter of serious efforts needs to clear the cob-webs in any perceived misapplication of State powers by laswa, initiate a town hall meeting with investors and operators to properly ventilate the state position in this area.

Any further delay and foot dragging will expose the government and his government to be days and week in court which the media will feast on to rubbish the government position on all areas of investment in Lagos.

The bad press will not help Governor Ambode and Lagos State government in its determined focus to make the city the best destination for business and tourism investment in Africa. As a starter and to restore confidence in the minds of investors, the likes of Abisola Kamson of LASWA should be fired and replaced by more qualified hand who can truly get the best out of Investors on Lagos waterways transportation without needless controversy and official bullying.