The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, has described Lagos State as a “no-man’s land” and the pride of Nigeria’s economy.
Speaking in an interview on Wednesday, Bwala argued that the concentration of federal projects in Lagos should not be viewed as favouritism but as an investment in the country’s commercial hub.
“Let me tell you why Lagos State is different. Lagos is a no-man’s land. In the last election, the President, who comes from the South-West, did not win Lagos. That reflects the cosmopolitan nature of the state,” he said.
He added, “The richest man in Africa is a northerner. His business is not in Kano, it’s in Lagos. Almost every wealthy Nigerian has business interests in Lagos, and the Nigerian people are represented there.
If not for the majority being Yoruba speakers, one might wonder whether Lagos truly belongs to the South-West.”
Comparing Lagos to other global economic centres, Bwala said, “London has more investment than all the other states in England combined. New York has more infrastructure and investment than the rest of the United States, including California.
Paris also commands more investment. Wherever the commercial heart of a country lies, there is a need to prioritise infrastructure to boost the economy. Whatever Lagos benefits, the country benefits.”
Addressing concerns over federal allocations, he insisted that the N3.9 trillion worth of federal projects reportedly allocated to Lagos over two years was justified.
“So, the idea that Lagos receives more than other states should be seen in context. Lagos is a no-man’s land. It is the hub of Nigeria, the pride of the country,” Bwala concluded.
https://x.com/emmaikumeh/status/1963138158977282449