Daniel Bwala, the Special Adviser on Policy Communication to President Bola Tinubu, has defended his principal’s decision to pump a staggering N2.9trillion into infrastructure projects in Lagos State, while other states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, have reportedly lagged behind.
Bwala, who appeared on Arise News TV in a programme monitored by Sahara Reporters, argued that Lagos deserved the massive allocation because of its unique role as Nigeria’s commercial nerve centre.
“The President, who hails from the Southwest, did not win Lagos, highlighting the cosmopolitan nature of the state,” Bwala declared.
“Were it not for the fact that the majority of the people in Lagos speak Yoruba, one might wonder if Lagos is truly in the Southwest. Like New York, Paris, and London, Lagos serves as the commercial nerve center of the economy and requires extensive infrastructure to enhance its economic growth.”
He compared Lagos to some of the world’s top metropolitan cities, insisting that its dominance justified the heavy concentration of federal spending.
“London has more investment than all the states in England put together. New York has more infrastructure and investment than the rest of the United States, including California. Paris also has more investment than anywhere else in France. So, in every country, wherever you find the commercial life of that country, you are likely to see the need to put infrastructure in place in order to boost the economy of that country,” he said.
Bwala’s most controversial remark, however, came when he dismissed arguments about lopsided allocation of resources.
“Lagos is a no man’s land. Lagos is the hub of Nigeria. Lagos is the pride of the country. Lagos is the beacon of economic growth of the country. Whatever Lagos benefits, benefits the nation as a whole,” he asserted.
Meanwhile, SaharaReporters’ review of data recently published by the Bola Tinubu administration showing segregation of projects awarded per region has revealed misrepresentation.
On Monday, Tinubu released his national infrastructure progress report, which he tagged, “Infrastructure Equity for Every Region. Progress for Every Nigerian. The Renewed Hope Agenda in Action.”
According to the review, the government listed 12 projects as those benefitting North-Western states.
However, findings show that the numbers were padded, with two projects ideally meant for the North-East and another two from the North-Central region of the country.
For instance, the 110km Damaturu–Maiduguri road was listed under North-Western projects.
Meanwhile, Damaturu is the capital of Yobe State and Maiduguri is the capital of Borno State — both in the North-East.
Tinubu Government Misleads Nigerians, Lists Projects Done In Other Regions For North-West To Make Up Numbers
Tinubu Government Misleads Nigerians, Lists Projects Done In Other Regions For North-West To Make Up Numbers
Similarly, the Bama and Dikwa roads, both in Borno State, were listed under North-Western projects.
The Lokoja–Okene road dualisation was also included under North-Western projects. However, both locations are in Kogi State, which is in the North-Central region.
The Benue–9th Mile road was likewise listed as a North-Western project, though it is in the North-Central region.
Further review shows that while the administration listed two North-Central projects under the North-West, it also listed them again under the North-Central region, amounting to double entries.
Likewise, projects meant for the North-East but placed under the North-West were still listed again under the North-East.
In April, the Tinubu-led Presidency maintained that President Bola Tinubu’s appointments would continue to be based on “merit, integrity, geographical spread, and demonstrable capacity to serve the Nigerian people.”
This statement followed Senator Ali Ndume’s accusation that the government was guilty of regional bias.
Sahara Reporters earlier reported that Senator Ndume, who represents Borno South Senatorial District, accused President Tinubu of breaching the constitutional principle of federal character in his political appointments during an Arise TV programme.
