Lagos belongs to Yoruba, Bwala recants ‘no man’s land’ comment

Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, has recanted his earlier controversial description of Lagos as a “no-man’s land”. In an interview on Arise Television, Bwala had described Lagos as a “no-man’s land” and “the pride of Nigeria’s economy.” The presidential aide emphasized that the concentration of federal projects in Lagos […]

Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, has recanted his earlier controversial description of Lagos as a “no-man’s land”.

In an interview on Arise Television, Bwala had described Lagos as a “no-man’s land” and “the pride of Nigeria’s economy.”

The presidential aide emphasized that the concentration of federal projects in Lagos should be seen not as favoritism, but as a strategic investment in the nation’s commercial hub.

“Lagos is the hub of Nigeria. Lagos is the pride of the country,” Bwala stated, highlighting its cosmopolitan nature and vital role in national commerce.

While comparing Lagos to global economic centres, he noted, “London has more investment than the entire states in England put together… So whatever Lagos benefits, the country benefits.”

Bwala maintained that the N3.9 trillion federal projects allocated to Lagos over two years are justified as they support the nation’s economic growth.

His comment triggered widespread outrage.

Addressing the backlash on his official X handle, the he admitted that Lagos State is historically and constitutionally the land of the Yoruba people.

“Don’t misinterpret what I said in my interview of this morning. Culturally, historically, and constitutionally, Lagos belongs to the Yoruba people, and that has never been in contention. The unique identity of Lagos as a Yoruba homeland is settled and beyond dispute.

“What I emphasized was the special place Lagos occupies in Nigeria and indeed West Africa — a city that, much like New York, Paris, or London, serves as the commercial nerve center of our economy. Lagos provides every Nigerian, regardless of origin, a level playing field to thrive, and in this sense, it mirrors the diversity of our nation while remaining firmly rooted in Yoruba heritage.

“My argument was, therefore, and justifiably so, for massive investments in infrastructure to sustain the economic and social responsibilities Lagos has shouldered on behalf of Nigeria.

“Any President who truly seeks to succeed must critically support Lagos, not because it is ‘no man’s land’, but because it is the heartbeat of the nation’s development.”