Sanwo-Olu to RMAFC: Granting Lagos State Special Status is Long Overdue

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has renewed calls for the federal government to grant Lagos a special status, citing the state’s crucial role in Nigeria’s economy and the disproportionate burdens it bears compared to other states.

The governor made the appeal during the opening session of the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission’s (RMAFC) on-the-spot assessment visit to the state, held on Tuesday at the Lagos House, Ikeja. Represented by his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, Sanwo-Olu stressed that the request is based on economic facts, not sentiments.

“Lagos accounts for 33% of Nigeria’s GDP. That’s not an emotional claim — it’s a fact,” he said. “If that’s true, then it follows logically that the state should receive commensurate support, especially in infrastructure and fiscal allocation.”

Sanwo-Olu cited the Apapa and Tin-Can Island ports, which handle nearly 90% of Nigeria’s imports, as examples of infrastructure under federal control but maintained by the state. He noted that despite their national importance, Lagos State bears the cost of maintaining surrounding infrastructure such as roads and public services.

“If Lagos fails, the country fails. Every Nigerian is represented in Lagos. What affects us here eventually affects the nation,” he said.

He also called on RMAFC to formally recognise the 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in Lagos in federal revenue allocation. These LCDAs, created in 2003, have expanded grassroots governance and driven local development, he said.

The governor added that Lagos operates within a challenging financial landscape and remains committed to transparency and effective management, but requires fair resource distribution to meet its responsibilities.

In response, RMAFC Federal Commissioner, Prof. Adekunle Wright, said the Commission’s visit was prompted by Lagos State’s request for stabilisation funding to support major infrastructure projects. He reaffirmed RMAFC’s commitment to fairness, transparency, and data-driven decision-making.

“Our role is to ensure national resources are fairly distributed and optimally utilised. Lagos plays a unique and undeniable role in this regard,” Wright stated.

Earlier, Lagos State Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Abayomi Oluyomi, emphasised the importance of monitoring statutory allocations and maintaining strong federal-state collaboration. He disclosed that the state has invested over ₦1.1 trillion in infrastructure but faces a gap of over ₦20 trillion in key sectors such as health, education, housing, and water.

“Lagos contributes nearly half of Nigeria’s GDP. If we are serious about national prosperity, the conversation about Lagos’ special status cannot be postponed any further,” he concluded.