Despite His Presence in Lagos, President Tinubu Absent as Akpabio Inaugurates Lagos Projects — Presidency Cites Security Priorities
Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Wednesday represented President Bola Tinubu at the inauguration of three major infrastructure projects in Lagos.
The projects commissioned include the Ojora–Opebi Link Bridge, the Lagos Geographic Information Service (LAGIS) building, and the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Administrative Complex.
In a statement, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu said the projects are designed to improve mobility, modernise land administration, and enhance public service delivery across the state.
He described the Ojora–Opebi Link Bridge as a strategic intervention along one of Lagos’ busiest transport corridors, noting that it is expected to ease congestion, shorten travel time, and improve daily commuting for residents.
Sanwo-Olu also highlighted that the new LAGIS building will boost transparency and efficiency in land administration by replacing manual, paper-based processes with modern systems.
According to him, the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Administrative Complex will centralise key government services, strengthen inter-agency coordination, and provide a more conducive working environment for public servants.
“With just over 400 days left in this administration, we remain focused on making every day count,” the statement read.
“Out of the 2,922 days Lagosians entrusted to us, we have spent more than 2,500 working to leave Lagos better than we met it.”
The governor expressed appreciation to the engineers, contractors, and civil servants involved in delivering the projects, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to initiatives that improve residents’ quality of life.
Why Tinubu Was Absent
The presidency has explained President Tinubu’s absence from the inauguration ceremony, despite his presence in Lagos at the time.
Speaking on Channels Television, Sunday Dare, special adviser to the president on media and public communication, confirmed that Tinubu is currently in Lagos but has been focused on pressing national security matters.
According to Dare, the president has been receiving continuous security briefings, particularly in light of recent developments in Jos.
“President Tinubu is in Lagos. Beyond public appearances, he has been deeply engaged in state matters,” Dare said.
“In the past 10 days, especially following developments in Jos, the president has been occupied with constant security briefings. He must prioritise critical national issues, particularly security.”
He added that the president is actively monitoring the situation and working closely with the intelligence community.
Background
Earlier, the Lagos State Government had announced partial road closures to facilitate the commissioning of the projects, with the president initially expected to personally inaugurate the Ojora–Opebi Link Bridge.
Tinubu had arrived in Lagos on April 2 after visiting Plateau State over the killings in Jos North LGA. He also briefly travelled to Ogun State on April 4 to inaugurate the Gateway Cargo Airport and a Nigeria Customs Service hub before returning to Lagos the same day.