Former Kano State gubernatorial candidate and political commentator, Salihu Tanko Yakasai, popularly known as Dawisu, has accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of disproportionately concentrating federal infrastructure projects in Lagos State, to the detriment of other regions across the country.
In a strongly worded post on his verified Facebook page, Dawisu questioned what he described as an overwhelming allocation of federal resources and national development efforts to Lagos. The post, which was widely shared on Wednesday, also formed the basis of responses to inquiries from journalists.
Dawisu, a former media aide to ex-Kano Governor Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and a prominent figure within the APC’s Ganduje camp, raised alarm over the pattern of project approvals, saying it reflects regional favoritism that could undermine national unity and development.
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“I’ve noticed my friends and others from Lagos justifying the N712 billion rehabilitation of the Lagos International Airport, citing its profitability and status as the busiest airport in the country. I agree on its importance. However, my question is, how many projects has President Tinubu awarded or approved for Lagos since becoming president?” he wrote.
He cited major projects such as the N15 trillion Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the $651 million 7th Axial Road, and the proposed $2 billion loan for the Lagos Light Rail. He also referenced the University of Lagos Power Project and the Renewed Hope City initiative as examples of the large-scale investments being channeled into the state.
“Considering these projects, it’s clear that trillions have been invested in Lagos. This raises an alarm about the distribution of resources across the federation,” Dawisu said, contrasting it with what he described as the near absence of tangible federal projects in Kano beyond the Renewed Hope City proposal.
According to him, the claim that only Lagos is economically viable is flawed, insisting that if similar investments were made in other states, they too would become growth hubs.
“Once elected, a president should prioritize the needs of all Nigerians, not just one state or tribe,” he stressed, warning against governing with regional sentiment.
He also questioned the president’s national outlook. “I understand Emi Lokan, but sometimes I wonder if Tinubu is the President of Nigeria or that of Lagos. Even his geopolitical zone, the South West, appears to be sidelined in favor of Lagos… It’s safe to say that Emi Lokan is beginning to look more like Lagos Lokan.”
Dawisu concluded by taking a swipe at those justifying the imbalance. “Any objective Lagosian with a conscience will know that this favoritism is unprecedented. But if agenda must agend, then by all means continue. Meanwhile, we will keep speaking out, so the records will be there for posterity.”
