Daniel Bwala, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, has stated that Lagos State belongs to no one in particular, describing it as a “no-man’s land.”
Bwala made this assertion while reacting to reports that ₦2.9 trillion was spent on projects in Lagos State. He emphasized Lagos’s unique and cosmopolitan character, pointing to President Tinubu’s loss in the state during the last election as evidence.
“Let me tell you why Lagos State is different Lagos is a no-man’s land,” Bwala said. “In the last election, the president, who hails from the Southwest, did not win Lagos. That tells you how cosmopolitan Lagos is.”
He further highlighted that many of Nigeria’s wealthiest individuals, including Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, operate their businesses in Lagos not their home regions.
“Dangote, a Northerner, runs his business from Lagos, not Kano. Almost every wealthy Nigerian has investments or business interests in Lagos. The city represents the entire Nigerian population,” he added.
Bwala concluded by emphasizing the diversity in Lagos, noting that if not for the predominance of the Yoruba language, one might even question whether Lagos is truly a Southwestern city.