Lagos Deserves Special Status, Not Federal Favouritism — APC

The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has rejected claims that the Federal Government is “over-pampering” Lagos, insisting instead that the state deserves a special status as Nigeria’s former capital and economic hub.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the APC’s Publicity Secretary, Seye Oladejo, argued that Lagos is not merely a city but a microcosm of Nigeria, built on vision, sacrifice, and inclusivity.

“No other state in Nigeria bears more of the weight of national productivity than Lagos,” Oladejo said. “It contributes over 20% of Nigeria’s GDP, about 55% of the nation’s VAT revenue, 65% of corporate headquarters, and 70% of maritime imports and logistics. These are not speculative figures, but hard data.”

He described Lagos as the “engine room of the federation” and “a true national capital in spirit,” long after Abuja became the political capital. He also noted Lagos’ unique ability to welcome Nigerians from all backgrounds, adding that the city had become a retirement hub for statesmen, generals, diplomats, and industrial leaders.

According to Oladejo, this inclusivity places enormous pressure on Lagos, a megacity of over 22 million residents. He highlighted overstretched infrastructure, public hospitals and schools, coastal erosion, waste management challenges, rising crime, housing deficits, and growing demand for social welfare as major strains on the state.

Despite these challenges, Oladejo maintained Lagos remains functional, progressive, and peaceful. He dismissed claims of federal indulgence, noting that in 2024, Lagos received only ₦531.1 billion in federal allocation — about 3.48% of the total shared — despite generating over 55% of VAT and more than a third of non-oil revenue.

“What Lagos has earned is not privilege, but respect,” Oladejo stressed. “Lagos is not over-pampered. Lagos is overburdened, over-performing, and under-credited.”

He reiterated the APC’s call for Lagos to be granted a Special Status, describing it as an issue of national survival and not partisan politics.

“From Chief Obafemi Awolowo to President Bola Tinubu and successive National Assemblies, the need for Lagos to be formally supported as Nigeria’s economic hub has been widely acknowledged but not yet implemented,” Oladejo said.

He urged lawmakers to “rise above regional politics and partisan considerations” and accord Lagos the recognition it deserves.

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