Works Minister, Dave Umahi
Lagos State has benefited from N3.9 trillion worth of major infrastructure projects approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
This amount surpasses the combined N3.56 trillion allocated to the South East, North West, and North East regions over the same period under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Projects in Lagos include a N712 billion overhaul of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, as well as several road projects, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, which is a major focus.
Tinubu, who hails from Lagos, has been accused of favoring the South West, prompting concerns of unequal distribution of resources.
However, Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris has rejected these allegations, maintaining that infrastructure projects are equitably spread across the six geopolitical zones under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Key Approvals for Lagos and the South West:
N712bn for the modernisation of International Terminal One at Murtala Muhammed International Airport.
N1.6 trillion for the construction of 55 km of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.
N359 billion for the reconstruction of Carter Bridge and N176 billion for coastal protection at Ebute‑Ero/Outer Marina.
N49.9 billion for enhanced security infrastructure at Lagos airport.
The N712 billion airport project is among the largest infrastructure investments in Nigeria’s aviation sector in recent years.
In addition to these, other parts of the South West also received substantial allocations, with road projects in Ogun, Ekiti, and Ondo States collectively receiving billions in approvals.
While some analysts argue that Lagos, as Nigeria’s economic powerhouse, deserves the bulk of these projects, others contend that other regions should not be overlooked in the pursuit of national development.
Regional Backlash Over Project Distribution Opposition figures, such as Timothy Osadolor of the PDP, argue that President Tinubu’s administration is overly focused on the South West, claiming that many projects are tailored to benefit Lagos disproportionately.
Osadolor called for a more balanced approach, urging the president to prioritize equitable distribution of resources and political patronage across Nigeria’s diverse regions.
Civil rights activist Auwal Rafsanjani also weighed in, highlighting the persistent issue of marginalisation in Nigerian governance.
Rafsanjani emphasized the need for a transparent system of resource allocation to ensure that all regions, particularly the underdeveloped North East and South East, receive fair treatment.
Ongoing Development and Reactions Despite the criticisms, the federal government continues to approve major projects across Nigeria.
For example, the North East received approvals for infrastructure projects such as the rehabilitation of dams in Borno State and the construction of electric vehicle infrastructure.
However, the lopsided distribution of funds, heavily favoring Lagos, remains a hot topic for debate.
