VZCZCXYZ0003
PP RUEHWEB

DE RUEHOS #0591 2351239
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 231239Z AUG 07
FM AMCONSUL LAGOS
TO RUEHAR/AMEMBASSY ACCRA PRIORITY 1325
INFO RUEHUJA/AMEMBASSY ABUJA 9143

UNCLAS LAGOS 000591 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SIPDIS 
 
GRAY - PLS PASS CODEL PAYNE FOR CLEARANCE 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: PREL PGOV NI
SUBJECT: CODEL PAYNE MEETING WITH LAGOS STATE GOVERNOR 
FASHOLA 
 
REF: ABUJA 1817 
 
¶1. (SBU) Summary: Recently-installed Lagos State Governor 
Babatunde Fashola told HIRC Africa Subcommittee Chair Donald 
Payne August 21 he was determined to improve Lagos's 
miserable physical condition.  Roads, power, water, and 
sanitation were in a shocking state and totally inadequate to 
cope with Lagos's population of 17 million.  Fashola focused 
particularly on the deteriorating crime and security 
situation, blaming the federal government for not providing 
enough resources for police services and to alleviate 
poverty.  Fashola said as a new governor he was determined to 
make improvements during his tenure, even if he broke some 
crockery, adding he did not care if he got re-elected.  He 
appealed for USG help in resources for the police.  End 
summary. 
 
¶2.  (U) In a brief private meeting with Congressman Payne and 
Acting CG McConnell following a ceremonial welcome, exchange 
of gifts and media encounter, Lagos State Governor Fashola 
emphatically stressed his determination to make a difference 
during his time as governor, even if it meant he would not 
get re-elected. 
 
¶3.  (SBU) Fashola said basic infrastructure had been allowed 
to deteriorate to a shocking degree-roads, sewers, power, 
water, etc.  Meanwhile the population had burgeoned to over 
17 million, a figure which he said was carefully calculated 
by various indices such as the amount of refuse produced 
daily.  The official figure of 9 million was used by federal 
authorities as a convenient excuse to minimize Lagos's needs. 
 
¶4.  (U) Fashola said his first priority however was to 
improve security in Lagos which had also deteriorated badly. 
He blamed the situation in part on the previous government 
policy of not providing police with sufficient resources and 
training.  Poverty, lack of job opportunities, and soldiers 
returning from UN peacekeeping missions who marauded were 
also factors. 
 
¶5.  (U) Acting CG McConnell welcomed the Governor's priority 
on addressing the problem of crime.  He expressed concern 
about security for Americans and other expatriates in Lagos, 
noting his British counterpart had recently contacted him 
with a similar concern.  The USG would help where it could 
and would like to stay in close touch with the Governor on 
security. 
 
¶6.  (U) Fashola urged the US to press the federal government 
in Abuja on the need to provide more resources to Lagos.  At 
present 52 percent of Nigeria's revenue is taken by the 
federal government leaving only 48 percent for Nigeria's 36 
states and many municipalities.  Fashola said he would 
welcome any help the U.S. could give, citing the need for 
bulletproof vests as well as walkie-talkies and other 
communications gear for the police. 
 
¶7.  (SBU) Comment: Governor Fashola is starting off with 
enthusiasm and zeal.  His challenge will be to maintain that 
commitment over time in the face of the daunting problems of 
Lagos and the culture of corruption to which a number of 
other governors have succumbed.  End comment. 
 
¶8.  (U) Congressman Payne cleared this cable. 
 
 
MCCONNELL