The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos has dismissed suggestions that the state enjoys undue privileges from the federal government, insisting that Lagos deserves special recognition as Nigeria’s former capital and its current economic powerhouse.
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In a statement, Seye Oladejo, Lagos APC spokesperson, described the state as “Nigeria in microcosm, an urban miracle built on vision, hard work, sacrifice, and inclusiveness.”
He argued that it was wrong to suggest Lagos benefits disproportionately from the federation, noting instead that its contributions to national development remain unmatched.
“No other state in Nigeria bears more of the weight of national productivity than Lagos. It contributes over 20 percent of Nigeria’s GDP, approximately 55 percent of VAT revenue, 65 percent of corporate headquarters in the country and 70 percent of maritime imports and logistics activities,” Oladejo said, quoting data attributed to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
He stressed that these achievements are products of deliberate governance, not federal indulgence.
Oladejo said Lagos continues to serve as Nigeria’s true capital in spirit despite Abuja being the official seat of power, pointing out the state’s openness to all Nigerians regardless of background.
“Nowhere is this more evident than in Lagos’ unique ability to welcome all Nigerians as full participants in the Lagos story, regardless of state of origin, language, faith, or political affiliation,” he said.
He further noted that many former governors, ministers, generals, and diplomats have chosen Lagos as their retirement home, a reflection of the state’s enduring appeal.
While welcoming people from across the country, Oladejo admitted Lagos has been stretched beyond capacity.
“As a megacity with a population of over 22 million, Lagos bears the weight of infrastructure overload,” he explained.
He listed roads, bridges, drainage, and transport systems as areas requiring constant reinvestment, often funded internally by the state. Public hospitals, he said, serve thousands from other states, while schools absorb children of migrants daily, creating pressures that fuel housing shortages and rising costs.
According to him, Lagos also grapples with coastal erosion, waste management, urban crime, and overstretched policing, challenges which the state frequently addresses through its own initiatives.
Oladejo rejected claims that Lagos is unduly favoured in federal allocations, revealing that the state received only ₦531.1 billion in 2024 about 3.48 percent of the total distributed from the federation account.
“What Lagos has earned is not privilege but respect. Let Lagos be applauded, not attacked,” he insisted.
“Lagos is not a regional city, it is a national asset, a federating hub, and a home to all Nigerians, whether as traders in Alaba, executives in Ikoyi, artists in Yaba, or retirees in Lekki. Lagos is not over-pampered. Lagos is overburdened, over-performing, and under-credited.”
The APC spokesperson maintained that the demand for a special status for Lagos is not sentimental but critical for national survival.
“From the late 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,” he said.
Oladejo urged lawmakers to put aside regional politics and partisan considerations in order to grant Lagos special recognition.
“Let this generation of lawmakers be remembered as the one that acted with foresight. Nigeria cannot succeed if Lagos is ignored,” he concluded.
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