Salihu Tanko Yakasai, a former Kano State gubernatorial candidate and political commentator popularly known as Dawisu, has criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over what he calls a “blatantly skewed” distribution of federal infrastructure projects heavily favoring Lagos State.
In a pointed critique posted to his verified Facebook page, Yakasai warned that the apparent concentration of multibillion-naira projects in Lagos could erode national cohesion and stall inclusive development.
He highlighted key initiatives such as the N15 trillion Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the $651 million 7th Axial Road, a proposed $2 billion Lagos Light Rail, the University of Lagos Power Project, and the Renewed Hope City initiative all concentrated in Lagos. He referred to this as a “trillions-naira investment concentration in one state.”
While acknowledging the strategic importance of Lagos to the economy, Yakasai questioned the absence of similar-scale developments in other parts of the country. “How many projects of that scale has Tinubu approved outside Lagos?” he asked, pointing to the lack of federal investment in Kano and other underfunded regions.
Challenging the narrative that Lagos is uniquely viable for development, Yakasai argued that if such investments were made elsewhere, many other states could also thrive.
He criticized what he views as a narrow exercise of presidential power. “Once elected, a president must represent all Nigerians not one state or one tribe,” he said.
Referencing Tinubu’s famous campaign slogan “Emi Lokan” (It’s my turn), Yakasai quipped, “It feels like Tinubu is President of Lagos, not Nigeria. Even parts of the South West are being sidelined. Emi Lokan is starting to look more like Lagos Lokan.”
He concluded by urging Nigerians to recognize the imbalance and not remain silent. “Any objective Lagosian with a conscience will know this favoritism is unprecedented. But if the agenda must agend, go ahead. We will keep speaking if only for the record,” he said.
