By Obinna Uballa
The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, has sparked outrage on social media after describing Lagos State as a “no-man’s land” and the pride of Nigeria’s economy.
Bwala made the remarks on Wednesday during an appearance on the Daybreak programme on Arise Television while defending the reported N3.9 trillion worth of federal projects allocated to Lagos within two years.
According to him, the concentration of infrastructure in Lagos was not an act of favouritism but an investment in the country’s commercial nerve centre.
“Let me tell you why Lagos State is different. Lagos State is a no-man’s land. In the last election, the President who comes from the South-West did not win Lagos. That tells you the cosmopolitan nature of Lagos State,” he said.
“The richest man in Africa is a northerner. His business is not in Kano, it’s in Lagos. Almost every rich man that you know in Nigeria has business undertaking in Lagos and the Nigerian people are represented in Lagos.
“If not because probably the majority of the people are Yoruba speaking, you will wonder whether Lagos indeed is from the South-West,” he added.
Bwala further compared Lagos to other global economic hubs such as London and New York, insisting that federal investment in Lagos ultimately benefits the entire country.
“So the idea that you put more in Lagos than in other states or the federation should be put into proper context. Lagos is a no-man’s land. Lagos is the hub of Nigeria. Lagos is the pride of the country,” he declared.
However, his comment describing Lagos as “no-man’s land” has triggered sharp reactions on social media, with many accusing him of insensitivity.
Abbas (@hillcrestfo) wrote: “Lagos is quintessentially and undoubtedly Yoruba land. As a major economic centre, it needs robust infrastructure to drive growth, enabling the federal government to reap benefits and share with other states.”
Osunpedia (@HAMMEDOPEY80140) said: “No need defending Lagos with no-man’s land rhetoric. It is insensitive. If the Federal Government spent more on Lagos, it is justifiable. After all, wherever you’re getting your money deserves to be maintained. Those Northerners shouting, ask them how much is coming from their states.”
Ọbàlùfọ̀nThe1st (@badmusayodele01) fumed: “Lagos is not no-man’s land. The fact that it used to be the FCT doesn’t mean it should be designated as such! It will and always be Yoruba land belonging to the Awori and Ijebu people.”
Jenslaw (@jenslaw_) questioned: “Are you for real? Lagos is a no-man’s land? Is FG really saying this or it’s a slip of the tongue?”
The controversy has reignited long-standing debates over the ownership of Lagos and the narrative surrounding its cosmopolitan status.
