Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has revealed that persistent resistance from political leaders and federal lawmakers in Abuja remains the primary obstacle preventing Lagos State from securing a constitutional special status.
Speaking during a recent media interactive session on Monday, Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasized that Lagos deserves special fiscal consideration and federal subventions due to its unique historical role as Nigeria’s former capital and its current standing as the nation’s economic epicentre.
”It’s an ongoing conversation. I cannot pretend that the current federal government is not helping out,” Sanwo-Olu stated. “So, the federal government is helping us. Lagos used to be the capital of the country and the administrative head until when Abuja came up. So, they are helping but it could be a bit more.”
The governor noted that despite the state’s overwhelming population density, public infrastructure burden, and massive contribution to national non-oil revenue, efforts to institutionalize a special federal allocation framework have continuously met legislative roadblocks at the National Assembly.
Touching on broader structural reforms, Sanwo-Olu also highlighted ongoing engagements regarding the establishment of state policing, expressing optimism that pending constitutional amendments would empower state governments to assume direct control over security operations. He noted that decentralized policing would significantly bolster public safety and stimulate a more resilient economic environment across the country.
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