The nation cannot be permanently down because of the fear of Lagos’ growth. Through hard work, safety, proximity, and providence, this state is prosperous and will continue to be rich without the tax bill. It is, therefore, a dangerous mindset to set all other states back because you do not want Lagos and other states positioned to be rich to get richer. Lagos has proved what it can do with funds, and it can be banked on that they will do even more to build more wealth to tax.
You stunt your growth by stopping the growth of others. In all countries of the world, there is never even/equal wealth among states. Some are rich, some are average, and some are poor. However, policies like these have put such “not so well” states on a sound footing, birthing inventions, ideas, and growth by mother necessity.
Why Lagos should not be antagonized
Many times, people are unsure whether to admit that Lagos is great or to talk down on it despite being a leading light in the country. Today, I join those who believe Lagos can do more and is not at the height of its potential, albeit not ignorantly. It is important to note that Lagos cannot progress as significantly as expected if other parts of Nigeria do not progress significantly or do their bit. The population of Lagos will continually be a burden if other states do not do their bit. When states begin to get productive, look inwards, and challenge themselves, they become other alternative destinations to Lagos, decongesting Lagos on the one hand and adding to the productivity of the ‘new haven’ on the other hand. Let Lagos be free and unchained, for it is worthy of its power.
Lagos represents an opportunity for other states, not a threat. The idea of opposing a tax reform simply because it might enable Lagos to grow faster is counterproductive and shortsighted. Lagos did not achieve its status by restricting the progress of others; instead, it leveraged its advantages—its ports, entrepreneurial spirit, and strategic location—to build a thriving economy. These are advantages other states can emulate. Antagonizing Lagos because it has managed its resources and opportunities well is akin to punishing success. Instead of pulling Lagos down, the focus should be on lifting other states up to replicate its growth story.
As many know the United States today by the mere popularity of places like New York and California, so do people know Nigeria because of places like Lagos. Lagos’s prosperity should inspire competition, not resentment. Lagos has shown that Nigeria can produce a state with a global economic footprint, and this should be celebrated, not opposed. Policies that enable Lagos to grow further can be adapted to other states with the political will and innovative thinking to capitalize on them.
Why Other Governors Must Look Inwards
Governors across Nigeria must realize that the potential for greatness lies within their states. All states in Nigeria are so blessed, and each has a niche, unique resources, cultural strengths, and opportunities should they begin to tap into it and harness it to create growth. Governors should stop relying excessively on federal allocations and adopt innovative policies to attract investments, develop industries, and create jobs. If only six states begin to pull their weight, we will have six Lagos(es) and a decongested Lagos. Many people talk about the port in Lagos, forgetting that Lagos State has created two more seaports. Today, Lagos State is a beneficiary of oil derivation after officially becoming an oil-producing state through oil production in the Aje field offshore Lagos. Today, they are entitled to receive the 13% derivation fund from the Federal government. Governors must look inward and make bold moves. If Lagos can rise through strategic leadership and resource management, other states can.
Governors must foster an environment of competitiveness where the aim is not to stifle Lagos but to rival it. Imagine the benefits if every region in Nigeria had a Lagos-like hub driving its economy. Instead of fearing Lagos’ dominance, governors should embrace the challenge to create alternatives that decongest Lagos and balance Nigeria’s economic scale.
Reforms and bold leadership
No nation develops without painful initial reforms that spur it into greatness. From the Asian Tigers to nations that have turned their fortunes around, the blueprint has been the same: bold decisions, efficient execution, and long-term planning. Nigeria is at a pivotal moment, and such reforms are needed to diversify the economy and create sustainable growth. Governors must rise to this challenge, embracing tax reforms not as a threat but as an opportunity. A simplified, efficient tax system will encourage investments, improve government revenue, and lay the foundation for infrastructural and social development. This will move us closer to a Nigeria where every state contributes meaningfully to the collective prosperity of the nation.
In conclusion, Lagos is not the problem but part of the solution. Its success story should serve as a blueprint for other states, not a reason to stifle progress. Lagos’s prosperity is Nigeria’s prosperity, and governors must step up to make their states the next destination for growth and investment. A stronger Lagos and a more productive Nigeria will position us as a true African powerhouse.
Adebobola Omowon is the Executive Director of Wide Gate Initiative for Peace and Dispute Resolution, Nigeria. He is also a researcher at the University of Massachusetts, Boston, United States.
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