Lagos APC defends federal allocation, says state’s infrastructure overstretched

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos has refuted claims that the state is unduly favoured by the federal government.

Seye Oladejo, Lagos APC spokesperson, said the state deserves a special status as a former capital territory.

Oladejo described Lagos as “Nigeria in microcosm, an urban miracle built on vision, hard work, sacrifice, and inclusiveness”.

He added that it was wrong to claim the state enjoys unmerited privileges from the federal government.

“No other state in Nigeria bears more of the weight of national productivity than Lagos,” NAN quoted Oladejo as saying.

“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.

“These are not speculative figures, they are hard data, backed by facts and sustained by deliberate governance, not federal indulgence.”

He said Lagos remains Nigeria’s true capital in spirit despite Abuja taking over as the official seat of power.

“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,” Oladejo said.

He added that the state has become the retirement home for many statesmen — including ex-governors, ministers, generals, and diplomats — who return because “it feels like home”.

Oladejo, however, said this openness has created immense strain on the state’s infrastructure.

“As a megacity with a population of over 22 million, Lagos bears the weight of infrastructure overload,” he said.

“Roads, bridges, drainage, and transport systems require constant reinvestment — often funded internally.

“Public hospitals serve not just Lagos residents but thousands from other states. Schools absorb children of migrants daily, while housing demand outpaces supply, fuelling high costs and informal settlements.”

‘LAGOS NOT OVER-PAMPERED’

The APC spokesperson said that Lagos also faces challenges such as coastal erosion, waste management, urban crime, and over-stretched policing — which the state often tackles with its own security initiatives.

Oladejo said that despite these pressures, Lagos remains functional and peaceful, while continuing to support vulnerable groups such as the elderly, widows, artisans, and unemployed persons — many of whom are not indigenes.

He refuted claims of federal favouritism, pointing out that Lagos received only N531.1 billion in allocation in 2024, which represented 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,” the spokesperson said.

“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.”

Oladejo said the call for a special status for Lagos is a matter of national survival, not sentiment.

“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.

“We urge the National Assembly to rise above regional politics and partisan considerations, and do what is right, what is fair, and what is overdue.

“Let this generation of lawmakers be remembered as the one that acted with foresight. Nigeria cannot succeed if Lagos is ignored.”