Nigeria’s economic landscape is under scrutiny, with accusations of a system rigged to favor Lagos over other regions. Economist Kelvin Emmanuel has ignited a firestorm of debate, questioning the government’s commitment to equitable development. Are other states being left in the dust while Lagos thrives? Let’s dive into the details.
Here’s a quick rundown of what we’ll be covering:
- The explosive claim that Nigeria’s economy is structured to favor Lagos.
- The glaring disparity in port operations and infrastructure development.
- The call for urgent reforms and decentralized investment to ensure equitable growth.
The Lagos-Centric Economy: A Rigged Game?
Kelvin Emmanuel, a prominent economist, recently dropped a bombshell on Arise News, stating that Nigeria’s economic structure is fundamentally skewed to benefit Lagos. He didn’t hold back, describing the situation as “economic injustice.” He argues that the federal government’s actions, or lack thereof, have created a system where Lagos enjoys a disproportionate advantage, leaving other states scrambling for scraps.
Port Disparity: Lagos Thrives, Others Suffer
The economist highlighted the stark contrast in port operations across the country. Lagos boasts three operational seaports, with a fourth in the works, while other ports like Calabar are practically “dead.” He pointed out that the Calabar port might see only one vessel a week compared to the constant activity in Lagos. This, according to Emmanuel, is a recipe for economic imbalance, with the smallest state by landmass (Lagos) enjoying all the benefits while others are neglected. The over-reliance on Lagos ports leads to congestion, higher costs, and lost opportunities for other regions. It’s not just about the ports themselves; it’s about the entire infrastructure ecosystem that supports them.
Akwa Ibom Deep Sea Port: A Case Study in Neglect?
Emmanuel specifically called out the Akwa Ibom deep sea port project, noting its strategic advantage with a shorter distance to the deep sea compared to Lagos ports. He questioned why the federal government isn’t investing as much effort in Akwa Ibom as they did for the Lekki deep sea port in Lagos. He stated, “The Akwa Ibom deep sea port, by the way, has a shore-to-sea that is 16 kilometres; it is the shortest distance to deep sea in the whole of Nigeria.” This perceived neglect raises questions about whether there is a deliberate effort to keep economic activity concentrated in Lagos.
Infrastructure Deficiencies: The South East’s Gas Pipeline Problem
Beyond ports, Emmanuel also shed light on the infrastructure deficits in other regions, particularly the South East. He pointed out the absence of a high-pressure gas transmission pipeline in the area, despite Abia State being a significant producer of natural gas. The Nigerian Gas Master Plan, formulated in 2007, proposed a pipeline to connect major cities in the South East, but for unknown reasons, the government redirected the pipeline elsewhere. This lack of infrastructure hinders industrial growth and exacerbates regional economic disparities.
The Way Forward: Decentralization and Reforms
Emmanuel emphasized the urgent need for the federal government to prioritize strategic investments in other regions to foster equitable economic development. He commended the Taiwo Oyedele committee for their work on tax bills, calling it the most consequential reform since Nigeria’s independence. Emmanuel is advocating for a more balanced approach to infrastructure development across the nation. He believes that if states were allowed to build seaports independently, the eastern maritime corridor would have more deep sea ports by now, but regulations and the need for federal approval are hindering such progress. He said that the federal government needs to contribute its share to the project, which is 20 percent.
A Call to Action
The economic structure of Nigeria is not just a collection of policies and systems, it impacts millions of lives across the country. Emmanuel called on the South East Governors Forum to address the gas pipeline issue with urgency. In conclusion, the call for a more balanced and equitable economic structure is not just a matter of fairness, but also a key factor for the development of Nigeria. Emmanuel’s statements have highlighted the urgent need for a critical review of Nigeria’s economic policies and investment strategies to ensure that all regions have the opportunity to thrive, not just Lagos.
Key Points:
- Nigeria’s economy is accused of being structurally biased towards Lagos.
- Lagos has several operational ports, while other regions struggle with underutilization.
- The Akwa Ibom deep sea port, with a shorter distance to the deep sea, is being neglected.
- Lack of essential infrastructure such as gas pipelines is hindering growth in the South East.
- Urgent reforms and strategic investments are required to foster equitable economic development across all regions.