Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, says the state deserves special status from the Federal Government, accusing politicians in Abuja of resisting the demand despite Lagos’s historical significance and contribution to Nigeria’s economy.
Sanwo-Olu made the remarks at the Financial Times Africa Summit in London, where he acknowledged the Federal Government’s support for Lagos through infrastructure development and policy reforms but said more could be done to address the state’s unique needs.
The governor said Lagos, which formerly served as Nigeria’s capital, remains the country’s commercial hub and accommodates people from diverse ethnic backgrounds. He added that discussions with the Federal Government on granting the state special consideration were ongoing, despite constitutional and political challenges.
Sanwo-Olu also called for a review of value-added tax revenue distribution, arguing that a significant proportion of the revenue collected nationally comes from Lagos. He said the state was engaging relevant authorities to ensure it receives a greater share of VAT revenue.
On infrastructure, the governor cited the Lagos section of the coastal road as an example of Federal Government support, saying the 70-kilometre stretch was largely completed. He also highlighted the proposed Sokoto-Badagry superhighway, noting that its planned network of 250 dams could boost irrigation, agricultural production and food supply to Lagos.
The governor further commended electricity sector reforms under President Bola Tinubu, saying they had created opportunities for states to participate more actively in power generation and distribution. He disclosed that Lagos had established its electricity regulatory commission and signed about 22 public-private partnership agreements aimed at adding 2,000 megawatts of power generation capacity within three years. Sanwo-Olu also expressed hope that ongoing discussions on state policing would lead to constitutional amendments, enabling states to play a greater role in improving security.
