Apapa-Iganmu LCDA seeks investors as Chairman laments absence of Banks, schools, industries

The Apapa-Iganmu Local Council Development Area (LCDA) in Lagos State is grappling with deep-rooted infrastructural and economic deficits, as the council currently has no commercial bank, no senior secondary school and no industrial presence despite being home to hundreds of thousands of residents.

This disclosure was made by the Executive Chairman of the council, Hon. Olawale Jimoh Saliu, during an interview in which he described the situation as both disturbing and economically limiting.

According to him, Apapa-Iganmu remains the only council among Lagos State’s 20 local governments and 37 LCDAs with such peculiar challenges.

Hon. Saliu revealed that no commercial bank has shown interest in establishing a branch within the LCDA, a development he said has significantly affected the council’s internal revenue generation efforts.

He noted that residents are often forced to travel outside the area to access basic banking services, thereby limiting local economic activities.

Expressing concern over the prolonged nature of the problem, the council boss said the lack of basic institutions had stalled growth and development for years.

However, he assured residents that his administration is taking deliberate steps to reverse the trend and reposition the LCDA for progress.

Explaining why banks and industries have historically avoided the area, Hon. Saliu admitted that Apapa-Iganmu had long been perceived as unsafe. “Over the years, this LCDA has been infamous for being rough,” he said, adding that the narrative no longer reflects the current reality.

“The area is now safe. Change is here,” the chairman declared, stressing that his administration has prioritised security and social order to restore confidence among potential investors.

He disclosed that upon assuming office, his administration imposed a ban on night parties and adopted a zero-tolerance policy against cultism and hard drug abuse.

According to him, these measures have yielded positive results, with no recorded incidents of violence since he took over leadership.

“All praise to the Almighty, there has been no record of violence since I assumed office. I sometimes stay in my office till 9:00 pm. I don’t use police escorts, and I feel very safe within my neighbourhood,” he said.

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On education, Hon. Saliu lamented the absence of a senior secondary school in the LCDA and pledged to address the gap within the limits of his authority. He revealed plans to establish a modern secondary school that will accommodate both junior and senior levels to serve the educational needs of the community.

“Lagos State is a metropolitan city. Our forerunners laid the foundation for a vibrant society, and I will ensure that I align with the vision of progressive and transformative development for my people,” he stated.

The chairman also highlighted his administration’s inclusive approach to governance, noting that stakeholders’ meetings are held fortnightly to identify challenges and develop practical solutions.

He added that he is consistently engaging prominent indigenes of the area to encourage them to invest and contribute to the development of their community.

“With sustained stakeholder engagement and the support of our sons and daughters, I believe we will achieve something encouraging,” Hon. Saliu said, expressing optimism about the future of Apapa-Iganmu LCDA.