All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos has dismissed claims that the state enjoys undue advantage from the federal government, insisting that its demands for a special status are justified.
Gatekeepers News reports that Seye Oladejo, spokesperson of the Lagos APC, argued that Lagos remains the nation’s true capital in spirit, despite Abuja being the official seat of power.
“Lagos is Nigeria in microcosm, an urban miracle built on vision, hard work, sacrifice, and inclusiveness,” Oladejo said. “No other state bears more of the weight of national productivity than Lagos.”
Citing data, Oladejo said Lagos contributes more than 20 percent of Nigeria’s GDP, 55 percent of VAT revenue, hosts 65 percent of corporate headquarters, and handles 70 percent of maritime imports and logistics.
“These are not speculative figures,” he said. “They are backed by facts and sustained by deliberate governance, not federal indulgence.”
Oladejo stressed that the city’s openness has attracted millions, including retirees, ex-governors, ministers, generals, and diplomats, who see Lagos as home. However, this inclusiveness has created enormous strain on the state’s infrastructure.
“As a megacity of over 22 million people, Lagos bears the weight of infrastructure overload,” he said. “Roads, bridges, drainage, and transport systems require constant reinvestment. Public hospitals serve patients from across Nigeria, while schools absorb migrant children daily. Housing demand continues to outpace supply.”
He also listed challenges such as coastal erosion, waste management, urban crime, and overstretched policing, adding that Lagos often funds its own security initiatives.
Despite these pressures, Oladejo said Lagos continues to function and provide for vulnerable groups, many of whom are non-indigenes.
Refuting claims of federal favouritism, he noted that Lagos received only N531.1 billion in 2024, representing 3.48 percent of total allocations.
“Lagos is not over-pampered. Lagos is overburdened, over-performing, and under-credited,” he declared. “What Lagos has earned is not privilege — but respect. Let Lagos be applauded, not attacked.”
He urged the National Assembly to act on the long-standing call for a special status for Lagos.
“From Chief Obafemi Awolowo to President Bola Tinubu and successive National Assemblies, the need for Lagos to be formally supported as Nigeria’s economic and demographic hub has been acknowledged but never acted upon,” Oladejo said.
“Nigeria cannot succeed if Lagos is ignored. Let this generation of lawmakers be remembered as the one that acted with foresight.”
