Group Condemns Alleged Agenda Linking Sanwo-Olu to Achimugu's $13M Forfeiture
The New Gatekeepers, a civic group, has raised alarms over what it describes as a clandestine and sinister agenda aimed at linking Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to the recent $13 million forfeiture case involving businesswoman Aisha Achimugu's firm, Oceangate Engineering Oil & Gas Limited. In a strongly worded statement, the group asserted that this narrative is part of a deliberate effort to target the post-Sanwo-Olu era, undermining the governor's reputation and the state's progress.
Allegations of Unfounded Claims
Jamiu Akande, the leader of the New Gatekeepers, emphasized that media reports suggesting ongoing investigations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) into the governor's affairs are completely unfounded and misleading. The statement read, "We strongly condemn the recent media narratives being spread against the Governor of Lagos State, alleging ongoing investigations by the EFCC in connection with some going concerns. These claims are part of a broader agenda aimed at undermining the governor's reputation."
The group urged the public to critically evaluate the sources of such information and avoid spreading unverified claims. Instead, they called for a focus on constructive dialogue and support for transparency and good governance initiatives in Lagos State.
Background on the Forfeiture Case
This controversy stems from a recent ruling by the Federal High Court in Abuja, which ordered the permanent forfeiture of $13 million traced to Aisha Achimugu's company to the Nigerian government. The New Gatekeepers argue that attempts to connect Governor Sanwo-Olu to this case are politically motivated, designed to tarnish his image as his tenure progresses.
Lagos State's Business Achievements
In a contrasting development, Lagos State has been recognized among the top 10 performing states in Nigeria's ease-of-doing-business rankings, according to the 2025 Subnational Ease of Doing Business Report. Other states on the list include Kaduna, Oyo, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ogun, Enugu, Plateau, Ekiti, Kano, and Nasarawa.
Zahrah Mustapha Audu, Director-General of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), announced the results at a roundtable in Abuja, highlighting that sustained reforms are yielding measurable outcomes. Governor Sanwo-Olu attributed this success to deliberate government efforts, stating, "This is the result of deliberate efforts by our government to create a positive environment for local and foreign investments, not just to thrive but to ensure good returns. We will continue to push for more investments and make our state a truly business-friendly place."
Focus on Investment and Economic Growth
The event, held in collaboration with the British High Commission, UKAID, and other partners, aimed to connect investment capital to Nigeria's top-performing states. Audu noted that while progress has been made, the key challenge remains ensuring that reforms translate into practical results for investors and businesses.
Abubakar Bagudu, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, emphasized that Nigeria's ambition to build a $1 trillion economy will largely depend on the roles of states and the private sector. Folashade Bada, the Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade, and Investment, representing Sanwo-Olu, reiterated that Lagos's ranking is a direct result of deliberate and sustained reforms implemented by the state government.
The New Gatekeepers' allegations highlight ongoing political tensions, even as Lagos celebrates its business-friendly achievements, underscoring the complex interplay between governance, media narratives, and economic development in Nigeria.
