Ex-Gov Ganduje’s Aide Accuses President Tinubu of Channeling Trillions Into Lagos While Neglecting Other States

 

Salihu Tanko Yakasai, former media aide to ex-Kano State Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has taken aim at President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over what he describes as a troubling and lopsided concentration of federal projects in Lagos State. In a strongly worded public statement, Yakasai questioned whether Tinubu is governing as President of Nigeria or merely as a custodian of Lagos interests.

His remarks, which have stirred reactions across political and regional lines, challenge the rationale behind multi-trillion naira projects awarded to Lagos State since Tinubu assumed office in 2023. Citing a range of high-cost initiatives, Yakasai argues that other states, including his native Kano, have been largely sidelined in the federal government's development agenda.

Among the key projects listed by Yakasai are the N1 trillion Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the N712 billion rehabilitation of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, the $651 million (approximately N1.2 trillion) 7th Axial Road, and the N1.6 trillion Lagos-Badagry to Sokoto Highway. He also referenced the N158 billion Lekki-Epe service lane upgrade, N50 billion perimeter fencing for Lagos airport, and N196 billion Lagos-Ibadan Expressway works.

Taken together, the projects represent trillions of naira in investments, almost entirely concentrated within Lagos and its surrounding corridors. Yakasai does not oppose the importance of the Lagos International Airport or the broader infrastructural investments in the region. His concern lies in the disproportionate attention Lagos receives compared to other states that also play vital roles in Nigeria’s economic and demographic fabric.

Lamenting what he termed “audio approvals” for other regions, Yakasai pointed to Kano’s near invisibility on the national development map under Tinubu’s administration. Beyond the Renewed Hope City project, which is still in early phases, there are few, if any, tangible federal projects ongoing in Kano. This disparity, he argues, highlights a governance model driven by favoritism rather than national interest.

He further criticized the justification being made by some Lagos residents and political allies of the president who argue that Lagos deserves these investments due to its economic significance and revenue contributions. While acknowledging Lagos’ vital role, Yakasai contended that such logic ignores the potential of other regions if they were similarly empowered with infrastructural support.

“Every state has its comparative advantage,” he noted, “and with the right investments, they too can contribute significantly to national growth.” Yakasai emphasized that balanced development is essential if Nigeria is to move beyond its regional rivalries and realize its collective potential.

He also called attention to the political undertone behind these allocations. Although Tinubu hails from Lagos and the state played a pivotal role in his rise to the presidency, Yakasai stressed that once elected, a president must shed narrow allegiances and lead with fairness. The role of the Nigerian president, he said, must transcend ethnicity, state loyalty, or political payback.

“Even the South West as a whole has not benefitted at the same level as Lagos,” Yakasai added, suggesting that this isn’t merely a matter of regional favoritism but a hyper-localized focus on a single state.

Raising a rhetorical but deeply symbolic question, he asked: “Is it Emi Lokan or Lagos Lakon?” The Yoruba phrase "Emi Lokan" meaning “It’s my turn,” was a popular campaign slogan used by Tinubu. Yakasai, however, suggests that it’s no longer just about turn-taking for leadership, but an exclusive return of benefits to one’s home state.

As political observers dissect the implications of his remarks, some see them as part of a growing discontent across Northern Nigeria regarding the allocation of federal resources. Others argue it is a legitimate call for equity in governance that resonates far beyond regional lines.

Yakasai concluded by urging Nigerians, especially those in Lagos, to reflect honestly on the fairness of this development trajectory. “Any objective Lagosian with a conscience will know that this favoritism is ridiculous,” he said. He warned that if this trend continues unchecked, the next six years could see even deeper divisions and growing resentment across the federation.

His message is clear: national development must be inclusive, or the consequences of marginalization will echo far beyond the present administration.