President Bola Tinubu said in Berlin on Tuesday that his economic reforms as governor of Lagos State, which later propelled him to the presidency, warrant mention in the Guinness Book of Records.
Speaking at the 10th German-Nigerian Business Forum, where trade deals worth hundreds of millions were signed, Tinubu posited that “if you didn’t mention me in the Guinness Book of Records, I’d thrive to find a way to insert myself because I did it without expectation.”
“I governed Lagos for eight consecutive years,” the president stated, highlighting how under his tenure the state became Africa’s 5th largest economy. “Today I can proudly beat my chest that Lagos state is on the horizon.”
Tinubu cited his background in the private sector and skills in “corporate governance” as reasons for his impactful governorship. “This is the track record that led me to the presidency,” he said confidently.
The comments came as German and Nigerian companies inked deals on energy exports and clean power projects worth hundreds of millions of dollars – signs of deepening economic ties.
Aides later described Tinubu’s remarks that he deserves a Guinness record as “tongue-in-cheek.” But the president made clear he wants recognition for reforms he argues set Lagos and now Nigeria on a more prosperous trajectory.