Financial educator Kalu Aja has called for Lagos State to receive special infrastructure support from the Federal Government, stressing that the state carries a unique burden as Nigeria’s commercial hub.

In a post on his X handle, Aja argued that Lagos hosts more federal assets than any other state, including the Federal Capital Territory. He warned that if Lagos’ economy slows down, the ripple effect would drag down Nigeria’s entire GDP.

“I personally believe that Lagos State should receive exceptional infrastructure support from the Federal purse. Lagos holds more federal assets than any other state, including the Federal Capital. If Lagos’ economy stalls, Nigeria’s GDP will also stall,” he wrote.

Aja suggested that at least 1% of the national capital expenditure (CAPEX) should be dedicated to maintaining federal assets in Lagos. According to him, this would be a fair and rational step given the state’s strategic importance.

His comments came after President Bola Tinubu’s administration released an infographic on federal projects across regions. The publication emphasized inclusivity, claiming no Nigerian is treated as “second class.” However, critics pointed out that the document did not specifically highlight how much has been invested in Lagos.

Aja criticized the government’s communication strategy, suggesting that the attempt to “downplay” Lagos’s needs was unnecessary and misleading. “What is unacceptable is to seek to gaslight, confuse, and be downright childish. How can a president from Lagos State tell his citizens to ‘ignore Lagos’? I know the President didn’t say so—it’s his media aides again seeking to overdo,” he added.

Lagos, Nigeria’s economic nerve center, contributes over 20% of the nation’s GDP and hosts critical assets such as ports, airports, and key federal institutions. Many analysts agree that sustaining its infrastructure is vital to Nigeria’s long-term growth.