Former Kano State gubernatorial candidate and political analyst, Salihu Tanko Yakasai, also known as Dawisu, has accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of disproportionately concentrating federal infrastructure projects in Lagos State while neglecting other parts of the country.
In a post on his verified Facebook page, Dawisu questioned the “overwhelming allocation” of federal resources to Lagos, warning that such regional favoritism could threaten national unity and inclusive development.
Dawisu, a former media aide to ex-Kano Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, cited several high-cost federal projects in Lagos, including the N15 trillion Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the $651 million 7th Axial Road, a proposed $2 billion Lagos Light Rail project, and the University of Lagos Power Project. He also mentioned the Renewed Hope City initiative as part of what he described as a “trillions-naira investment concentration in Lagos.”
“Some justify the N712 billion rehabilitation of the Lagos International Airport because it’s profitable. I agree it’s important. But how many projects of that scale has Tinubu approved outside Lagos?” he asked.
Contrasting Lagos’ gains with the situation in Kano, Dawisu expressed concern over what he sees as a lack of federal presence in his home state and other regions.
“The idea that only Lagos is economically viable is flawed. If such investments were replicated elsewhere, other states could also flourish,” he argued.
Dawisu further criticized Tinubu’s leadership style, warning against the use of presidential power for regional favoritism. “Once elected, a president must represent all Nigerians — not one state or one tribe,” he said.
Taking a direct swipe at the President’s famous campaign slogan, Dawisu remarked, “I understand Emi Lokan — but sometimes it feels like Tinubu is President of Lagos, not Nigeria. Even parts of the South West are being sidelined in favor of Lagos. Emi Lokan is starting to look more like Lagos Lokan.”
He concluded by urging fair-minded Nigerians to recognize the imbalance: “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.”
