Ope George, the Lagos State Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, has announced an ambitious revenue target of N2.96 trillion for the year 2025.

This projection was revealed during the annual ministerial press briefing on Wednesday, coinciding with the two-year anniversary of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration.

The target represents a 42.7% increase over the N2.08 trillion revenue recorded by the Lagos State Government in 2024.

In his address, George highlighted the ministry’s accomplishments, emphasizing its commitment to fostering innovation, data-driven governance, and inclusive planning.

“Our strategy is geared towards long-term sustainability. By enhancing fiscal discipline and improving access to essential services, we aim to ensure that every Lagosian benefits from our efforts,” the commissioner stated.

He further underscored the robust fiscal growth and responsive budgeting reflected in the state’s revenue initiatives, positioning the ministry as a pivotal driver of Lagos’s economic progress.

“The budget department has successfully facilitated a notable rise in total revenue projections from N2.08 trillion in 2024 to N2.968 trillion in 2025, showcasing enhanced fiscal planning,” George remarked.

The commissioner reported that the 2024 fiscal year concluded with an impressive 87% budget performance rate, indicative of prudent fiscal management and effective implementation across key sectors.

In response to escalating economic challenges, the government has introduced comprehensive social protection measures.

“Over N130 billion was allocated to assist more than 18.5 million Lagosians through various initiatives, including the Ounje Eko food subsidy program, which has improved access to affordable, nutritious food for low-income families, alongside transport subsidy allowances following the removal of fuel subsidies,” George explained.

The ministry has also improved the efficacy of its interventions by integrating the Lagos State Social Register (LASSR) with the National Identity Number (NIN), thereby enhancing the accuracy of beneficiary targeting.

Moreover, George announced the launch of several digital tools, such as the LSDP 2052 implementation reporting dashboard, which monitors over 280 development initiatives across all ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) in real-time, and the EKO360 app, designed for real-time data collection and reporting across all 57 local government areas (LGAs) and 59 motor vehicle administration (MVAA) centers.

### Lagos Secures Funds for Floating Solar Power Project

George also revealed that Lagos has secured funding for a floating solar power project through a partnership with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, marking significant progress in environmental resilience and sustainable development.

He noted that the Office of Climate Change and Circular Economy has created over 1,600 jobs, diverted 20,000 kilograms of waste from landfills, and prevented 10,000 kilograms of carbon emissions.

The commissioner highlighted that programs like Eco-Circulate and ECONexus are assisting over 5,000 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in transitioning to sustainable, circular business models.

Additionally, the 2025 Lagos Economic Development Update (LEDU) reinforces Lagos’s position as Africa’s second-largest economy by purchasing power parity (PPP), with Sanwo-Olu’s administration reaffirming its dedication to good governance and inclusive growth.

“Lagos is not merely growing; it is evolving into a model for what a 21st-century African city can achieve,” the commissioner asserted.

The press conference also saw the attendance of notable officials, including Gbenga Omotoso, Commissioner for Information and Strategy; Lekan Balogun, Special Adviser to the Governor on Economic Planning and Budget; Olayinka Ojo, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget; and Olumide Sogunle, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information and Strategy.

On April 14, the Lagos State Government signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) to enhance solar power generation and distribution throughout the state.

In an increasingly globalised job market, several countries are opening their doors to skilled professionals through job-seeker visa programs.

These programs allow foreign nationals to reside temporarily while searching for employment, offering an excellent opportunity for career advancement abroad.

Here’s a breakdown of countries currently offering such visas, their requirements, and durations.

1. Germany: A Hub for Skilled Professionals
As Europe’s largest economy, Germany presents tremendous job opportunities, particularly in sectors like engineering, IT, and healthcare. The Germany Job Seeker Visa gives you up to six months to find a suitable job while immersing yourself in German work culture.

Visa Type: Germany Job Seeker Visa
Duration: Up to six months
Eligibility Highlights

Must be 18 years or older
Hold at least a Bachelor’s degree
Minimum of five years of relevant work experience
Show financial stability (e.g., €5,604 in a blocked account or a sponsor’s obligation letter)
Required Documents

Passport (issued within the last 10 years with at least 12 months’ validity)
Three recent passport photos
Cover letter outlining your job-seeking goals
Degree certificates
Proof of accommodation in Germany
Proof of financial means
CV, health insurance, and either a birth certificate or Aadhaar card
2. Austria: For Top-Tier Talent
Austria is seeking highly qualified professionals, such as scientists and senior managers, through its structured points-based system. The country combines a robust economy with a high standard of living.

Visa Type: Austria Job Seeker Visa (Very Highly Qualified Workers)
Duration: Up to six months
Eligibility Highlights

Score at least 70 out of 100 on Austria’s evaluation criteria (includes academic credentials, research contributions, salary, and language proficiency)
Required Documents

Valid passport and passport-sized photo
Proof of accommodation and financial means
Health insurance
Supporting documents for each scoring criterion (e.g., awards, research publications, degrees)
3. Sweden: A Progressive Choice for Graduates
With its innovation-driven economy and inclusive society, Sweden is ideal for those with an advanced degree looking to work or start a business.

Visa Type: Sweden Residence Permit for Job Seeking or Business Start-Up
Duration: Three to nine months
Eligibility Highlights

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Must hold an advanced-level degree (e.g., 60 or 120-credit Master’s, PhD, or equivalent)
Demonstrate the ability to support yourself financially during your stay
Required Documents

Valid passport
Academic transcripts
Proof of sufficient funds
Health insurance
Signed consent letter authorizing verification of academic credentials
4. United Arab Emirates: Fast-Growing and Global
The UAE, a magnet for international talent, now offers short-term job-seeker visas aimed at skilled professionals and top university graduates.

Visa Type: UAE Job Seeker Visa
Duration: 60, 90, or 120 days
Eligibility Highlights

Be in the first, second, or third skill level (e.g., managers, technicians, professionals), or
Be a recent graduate from a top 500 global university (within the last 2 years) with a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
Required Documents

Valid passport
Colour passport photos
Attested degree certificates
5. Portugal: A Sunny Gateway to Europe
Portugal’s scenic landscapes and growing economy make it an appealing place to job hunt. While official eligibility criteria are not fully detailed online, the job-seeker visa is accessible to those meeting basic requirements.

Visa Type: Portugal Job Seeker Visa
Duration: 120 days (renewable for another 60 days)
Eligibility Highlights

Criteria should be confirmed with the Portuguese Diplomatic Portal
Required Documents

Visa application form
Passport (valid for at least three more months)
Two passport photos
Criminal background check
Travel insurance
Proof of financial means equivalent to three months of minimum wage.
6. Spain: Stay After You Study
If you’ve completed higher education in Spain, you may qualify for a long-term residence permit to search for a job or launch your own business in the country.

Visa Type: Spain Residence Permit for Job Search or Business Start-Up
Duration: 12 to 24 months
Eligibility Highlights

Hold a Level 6 or higher qualification under the European Qualifications Framework
Must have studied at a Spanish university
Possess valid medical insurance and proof of financial stability
Required Documents

Valid passport
Completed EX01 application form
Health insurance certificate
Degree or diploma from a Spanish institution
7. Denmark: Post-Study and Post-Employment Pathways
Denmark offers job-seeking permits for both recent graduates and professionals who’ve lost their jobs. With a high standard of living and progressive policies, it’s an excellent choice for relocation.

Visa Type: Denmark Job-Seeking Residence Permit
Duration: Up to six months
Eligibility Highlights

For Employees: Must apply within two days of job termination under specific Danish work permit schemes
For Students: Must have completed PhD or other advanced studies in Denmark; allowed to work 20 hours/week (full-time in summer).
Required Documents

Biometric data (fingerprints and photo)

Valid passport

Visa application fee payment receipt

Letter of dismissal (for employees)

A fire on Wednesday evening caused extensive damage at the popular phone village in Challenge market, Ilorin, Kwara state.

The fire, which started around 9:06pm, was believed to have been triggered by a power surge.

The market, which houses over 120 shops, 80 kiosks, and numerous stands, saw 10 kiosks reportedly affected.

In a statement on Thursday, Hassan Adekunle, spokesperson for the Kwara state fire service, said the conflagration primarily affected phone stores and repair shops.

“Our fire crew promptly mobilised and arrived at the scene to find several shops engulfed in flames,” he said.

“The market comprises over 120 shops, 80 kiosks, and numerous stands. Through swift intervention, professionalism, and tactical expertise, our team successfully curtailed the spread of the fire, limiting its impact to only 10 kiosks.

“The affected areas were primarily phone stores and repair shops. Preliminary investigations indicate that the fire was caused by a power surge.

“Traders and market stakeholders commended the Kwara State Fire Service for their rapid response and effectiveness in saving the market from widespread destruction.”

Falade Olumuyiwa, director of the state fire service, expressed sympathy to the market leadership and affected traders.

Olumuyiwa also prayed that all losses suffered would be divinely restored.