Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, has described Lagos State as both Nigeria’s economic pride and a “no-man’s land” during an interview on Arise Television.
Bwala argued that the concentration of federal projects in Lagos should be understood as strategic investment in the country’s leading commercial hub, rather than favoritism.
While highlighting Lagos’ cosmopolitan nature, Bwala stated: “Lagos State is a no-man’s land. In the last election, the President, who is from the South-West, did not win Lagos. That tells you the diversity and openness of Lagos State.”
He emphasized that the city attracts businesses and individuals from across Nigeria, noting that the richest man in Africa, a northerner, operates his business in Lagos rather than his home state of Kano.
“Almost every wealthy Nigerian has business operations in Lagos, and the city represents the entire nation”, Bwala added.
Drawing comparisons to global cities like London, New York, and Paris, Bwala explained that major economic hubs often require significant infrastructure investment to sustain their role in driving national growth.
“In every country, wherever you find the commercial nerve, you see the need to put infrastructure in place to boost the economy. When Lagos thrives, Nigeria benefits,” he remarked.
Defending the reported N3.9 trillion worth of federal projects allocated to Lagos within two years, Bwala stressed that the city’s unique status as Nigeria’s hub of commerce justifies such investments.
“The idea that Lagos receives more than other states should be viewed in context. Lagos is the pride of the country, and its success drives the nation’s economic engine”, he concluded.
