₦airaland Forum

Dispelling The Myth That Lagos Is Great Only Because of The Lagos Ports

If it is the Lagos Port that is solely responsible for the economic prosperity, infrastructural development and cultural dynamism of Lagos State, and if any state claims that they can replicate the success of Lagos if only they had a port, then how do you explain the economic success of Oyo State?

Get a map of Nigeria. Regarding proximity to ports, Oyo State is one of the most disadvantaged states in Southern Nigeria. Almost every other Southern state is closer to at least one port, and some multiple ports, than Oyo.

Yet, despite being landlocked, Oyo State has managed to produce more wealth for Nigeria's GDP than any other state except Lagos and Rivers states.

In 2024, Oyo contributed ₦272.41 billion to the federal purse by way of VAT revenue and received only ₦116.83 billion. What they contributed is three times what the five Southeastern states collectively contributed.

But have you ever heard Oyo State complain about being marginalised?

To be exact, in 2024, the five states of Nigeria's South-East region together generated only ₦101.09 billion in Value Added Tax to the Federal Government and received ₦341.45 billion.

Most of those five Southeastern states are closer to Port Harcourt Port and Onne Port.

Rivers State is the state where the Federal Government spends the most on port infrastructure, not Lagos State. Onne Port alone is responsible for 65% of Nigeria's maritime export.

If we follow the logic that 'Lagos is great only because of the Lagos port', then Oyo should be poorer than almost any other Southern state.

But that is not the case.

Why is Oyo generating so much? Let's examine where its VAT revenue is coming from.

Please fact-check me: Oyo's VAT revenue comes from the following sectors, in order of prominence:

Agriculture
Manufacturing,
Information and communication technology, and
Mining and quarrying sectors

There is no state in Nigeria that cannot achieve what Oyo has achieved. The reason they are not accomplishing what Oyo has accomplished is because of leadership, and not any excuse of being far away from a port.

Anambra State has a port. The Onitsha River Port in Anambra has been commissioned three times. It was first commissioned by President Shehu Shagari in 1983 and has gulped over $100 million in Federal Government funds.

It is fully functional. Yet, despite this port, Anambra State contributed just ₦47.53 billion to the treasury in 2024 through VAT revenue.

Fellow Nigerians, the facts have been laid bare here. Going forward, do not let anyone gaslight you into believing that Lagos is prosperous because of ports, and they are poor because they lack ports. That is an excuse that justifies the failure of leadership in some Nigerian states.

Reno Omokri

Gospeller. Deep Thinker. #TableShaker. Ruffler of the Feathers of Obidents. #1 Bestselling author of Facts Versus Fiction: The True Story of the Jonathan Years. Hodophile. Hollywood Magazine Humanitarian of the Year, 2019. Business Insider Influencer of the Year 2022. 21st Most Talked About Person in Africa, 2024.


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Please don't make racist and tribalistic comments on this section

To me these are excuses of a lazy mind. They always have reason why someone is more successful than them rather than figuring out how to plan out their own successes
According to news, Dangote Refinery was pitched to Rivers, Ondo, Ogun, and Lagos States while other State's Governors were demanding a share in the company, Lagos State saw the bigger picture, today they say is history.
Lagos has waged wars to make sure it is peaceful while other states permitted anarchy, unknown gun men, sit at home (all self inflicted) and yet crying why Lagos is successful.
Before independence, Ibadan was the largest city in Nigeria, highly successful business men trading in cocoa and industrial activities.
Its important for each state to build on their strengths and strike to be self reliant.

Reno Omokri the goat as usual always directing his baseless & senseless arguments to pleasurize his gullible followers of former acclaimed world despicable man but now turned Messiah.

Reno Omokri now have retrograde amnesia because he wants to eat political crumbs from his masters table. Lagos as formers administrative capital of Nigeria had developed ports because of its political relevance, strategic location as headquarters of commerce, industrial revolution and other sundry reasons.

He cunningly avoided the solemn fact that the current NBS figures put the same Oyo state he is over hyping among the states with the most people living in abject poverty despite its spurious IGRs telling you that it is not a reliable index of assessing economic prosperity or development.

Now why have successful generation of govts in Nigeria been morbidly afraid of developing other ports across the nation apart from the Lagos and PH ports? The Onitsha and Nsukka (Gelegele) Ports ought to have been dredged a long time ago for further economic development but they were avoided due to political reasons. Even the other international airports only became upgraded because of increasing cry for even pace of development which constitutionally ought not to have been an issue.

Sadly, Nigeria has been a rotten entity whose skewed and defective foundation has been a problem from antiquity. However, it is annoying when political charlatans choose to insult the sensibility of vexed citizens by openly trying to arm twist the solemn truth just to please their political slave masters.

Biodun556:
Please don't make racist and tribalistic comments on this section

Meanwhile, here is Reno Omokri boldly telling you lots how the SE rose from the smithereens and obliteration of the brutal civil war to dominate and possess it possession not based on having any functional ports or international airports, but simply because of their enterprenuership, economic sagacity and never-say-die resilient spirit of an average Igbo man

Lifestone:

Lagos has waged wars to make sure it is peaceful while other states permitted anarchy, unknown gun men, sit at home (all self inflicted) and yet crying why Lagos is successful.

Lagos is the making of cosmopolitan Nigerians. As headquarter of many political struggles and revolutions, Lagos really benefitted from the sacrifices of many non-Lagosians who laid down their lives for its many political and economic prosperity.

Seems you also think the world is oblivious of the solemn fact the the Oluwole phenomenom that sadly gave Nigeria some of its sensational academic cheats ( including the first president to come to office with so much moral baggages) emaciated from the same Lagos

Before independence, Ibadan was the largest city in Nigeria, highly successful business men trading in cocoa and industrial activities.Its important for each state to build on their strengths and strike to be self reliant.

True! However did the chance for even development of other areas enhanced after the war. Nope the headquarters of major macro-industries were quarted in Lagos especially the oil giants(Exonn Mobil, AGIP, Elf whereas their areas of operations were in far away southern areas of the country

See it is inherent hatred with egocentric quest for self glorification that leads to this kind of warped reasoning. Change from it please

Racoon:
See it is inherent hatred with egocentric quest for self glorification that leads to this kind of warped reasoning. Change from it please

I dont indulge in hatred and have no space for egocentrism. Society must by themselves make choices that promotes shared desires of her people rather than always holding and begrudging others for the outcome of their actions or inaction.
For instance, Lekki Port is a private sector initiative, so if other state do need ports to advance development, let them go do it rather than sulking.
Whether Oyo state is ranked high on poverty index or not is a matter for another time, another thread.
Other state must take a cue from Lagos State, there are things to learn from them

Someone will just wake up with a biased, bigoted, warped reasoning and defective prismatic worldview of a people or region because of jealousy or sheer painment.

The fact is that a particular tribe wakes up everyday and try to rub shoulder with Yorubas thinking they're mate.

Their luck are the colonial masters that bring everybody together under one Nigeria.

Major flex of the SW is security and purchasing power. Everyone will always take their money where there is security of lives and properties.

They don't have innovative leaders, those ones are just looting their resources and pushing their responsibilities down to SW. I hope the SW governors will start pushing them back to their lazy governors.

It makes no sense to use civil war as an excuse at this time.

The point is , our igbo brothers don't stay at home. Wake waka full their leg..

Another thing I know , their governors in the southeast states don't s spend Public money on big economic projects like southwest governors.. But investing public money on family business is the order of the day..

Thirdly,this biafra of a thing contributes to the major problem in southest..

Poor industrial base ,Although southeasterners have that strong human capital , Entrepreneurial culture in Nnewi,Aba etc.those are strengths that they need to leverage more.

Would that stop some people from continuing giving excuses?

Reno the table shaker always on point

Their governors are not doing anything since they know SW and the Northern governors will bail them out. Until SW/Northern leaders do the needful their leaders will continue to push their responsibilities to them.

They don't believe in industry, just go to China, bring inferior items, start selling, make money and start blaming Nigeria government for not giving them sea port.

Abdul05:
It makes no sense to use civil war as an excuse at this time.

The point is , our igbo brothers don't stay at home. Wake waka full their leg..

Another thing I know , their governors in the southeast states don't s spend Public money on big economic projects like southwest governors.. But investing public money on family business is the order of the day..

Thirdly,this biafra of a thing contributes to the major problem in southest..

Poor industrial base ,Although southeasterners have that strong human capital , Entrepreneurial culture in Nnewi,Aba etc.those are strengths that they need to leverage more.

Racoon:
Reno Omokri the goat as usual always directing his baseless & senseless arguments to pleasurize his gullible followers of former acclaimed world despicable man but now turned Messiah.

Reno Omokri now have retrograde amnesia because he wants to eat political crumbs from his masters table. Lagos as formers administrative capital of Nigeria had developed ports because of its political relevance, strategic location as headquarters of commerce, industrial revolution and other sundry reasons.

He cunningly avoided the solemn fact that the current NBS figures put the same Oyo state he is over hyping among the states with the most people living in abject poverty despite its spurious IGRs telling you that it is not a reliable index of assessing economic prosperity or development.

Now why have successful generation of govts in Nigeria been morbidly afraid of developing other ports across the nation apart from the Lagos and PH ports? The Onitsha and Nsukka (Gelegele) Ports ought to have been dredged a long time ago for further economic development but they were avoided due to political reasons. Even the other international airports only became upgraded because of increasing cry for even pace of development which constitutionally ought not to have been an issue.

Sadly, Nigeria has been a rotten entity whose skewed and defective foundation has been a problem from antiquity. However, it is annoying when political charlatans choose to insult the sensibility of vexed citizens by openly trying to arm twist the solemn truth just to please their political slave masters.

Stop attacking the messenger, comment on the message.
Is oyo IGR not more than that of your 5 plots combined?

Is your 5 plots not closer to onne port compared to oyo state?when did

Why is your leaders not taking advantage of the proximity to port to improve the growth of the SE states of truly port is the main reason for Lagos prosperity?
Whe did NBS told you that oyo is among the poorest state in Nigeria? Mention a state in Nigeria where there are no poor people.

Racoon:
Meanwhile, here is Reno Omokri boldly telling you lots how the SE rose from the smithereens and obliteration of the brutal civil war to dominate and possess it possession not based on having any functional ports or international airports, but simply because of their enterprenuership, economic sagacity and never-say-die resilient spirit of an average Igbo man

But you guys were praising him when he was giving you people all these accolades .

Why are you now insulting him when is said an obvious truth that didn't go down well with you people?

To think that its the same Reno Omokri who abandoned his family for no reason is on social media idling away.

More tax from Oyo state then

If it's a myth, why has this success not been replicated in any other SWestern state aside Lagos? Proximity to the sea with accompanying infrastructure is a worldwide known precursor to development. In geopolitics, it's called the Geography of Development.

Racoon:
He cunningly avoided the solemn fact that the current NBS figures put the same Oyo state he is over hyping among the states with the most people living in abject poverty despite its spurious IGRs telling you that it is not a reliable index of assessing economic prosperity or development.

Of course there'll be poverty in Oyo because of One Nigeria. One Nigeria collected over 270b Oyo VAT money and gave back 100b. Meanwhile One Nigeria collected 100b from all 5 SE states and gave them back 341b. But Oyo is not crying of marginalisation. Y

Racoon:
Meanwhile, here is Reno Omokri boldly telling you lots how the SE rose from the smithereens and obliteration of the brutal civil war to dominate and possess it possession not based on having any functional ports or international airports, but simply because of their enterprenuership, economic sagacity and never-say-die resilient spirit of an average Igbo man

That was when Reno was trying to help Atiku gets Igbo people's vote. He pressed y'all button until una surrender una vote give Atiku

AMINDA:
If it's a myth, why has this success not been replicated in any other SWestern state aside Lagos? Proximity to the sea with accompanying infrastructure is a worldwide known precursor to development. In geopolitics, it's called the Geography of Development.

Mention one state in the east that has internally generated funds more than oyo and ogun state.

Also mention one city in the south east that is more developed than Ibadan.

I dey wait for your response.

Meanwhile take this evidence and run with it...

Godfullsam:
Stop attacking the messenger, comment on the message.
Is oyo IGR not more than that of your 5 plots combined?

Is your 5 plots not closer to onne port compared to oyo state?when did

Why is your leaders not taking advantage of the proximity to port to improve the growth of the SE states of truly port is the main reason for Lagos prosperity?
Whe did NBS told you that oyo is among the poorest state in Nigeria? Mention a state in Nigeria where there are no poor people.

So why is oyo paying same minimum wage as the south east. Why are oyo indigenes fleeing the state for greener pastures, how many jobs are there in oyo apart from civil service

tunjijones:
Mention one state in the east that has internally generated funds more than oyo and ogun state.

Also mention one city in the south east that is more developed than Ibadan.

I dey wait for your response.

Meanwhile take this evidence and run with it...

There is no trophy for paying tax. You can tax your people to death, we will share in the proceeds while you wail.

madridguy:
Their governors are not doing anything since they know SW and the Northern governors will bail them out. Until SW/Northern leaders do the needful their leaders will continue to push their responsibilities to them.

They don't believe in industry, just go to China, bring inferior items, start selling, make money and start blaming Nigeria government for not giving them sea port.

You will continue to wail while we share your tax. If you want to keep all your taxes, separate from Nigeria. At times I wonder why a region thar claims to be most successful are sacred of being on their own

nedu666:
There is no trophy for paying tax. You can tax your people to death, we will share in the proceeds while you wail.

Your region is barren. Accept this and start planning of how to make your region more prosperous instead of competing with someone that is more than you.

No wonder almost a quarter of your population is everywhere in the south west.

Funny thing is that you people are the unity bergers and you call others unity bergers. South east is the region that benefits from one Nigeria the most that was why nnamdi Azikiwe and ironsi did what they did thinking Igbos will be at the helms of Nigeria affairs forever.

Not knowing that 50 years along the lines Igbos will be slaves and trapped in Nigeria.

Racoon:
Reno Omokri the goat as usual always directing his baseless & senseless arguments to pleasurize his gullible followers of former acclaimed world despicable man but now turned Messiah.

Reno Omokri now have retrograde amnesia because he wants to eat political crumbs from his masters table. Lagos as formers administrative capital of Nigeria had developed ports because of its political relevance, strategic location as headquarters of commerce, industrial revolution and other sundry reasons.

He cunningly avoided the solemn fact that the current NBS figures put the same Oyo state he is over hyping among the states with the most people living in abject poverty despite its spurious IGRs telling you that it is not a reliable index of assessing economic prosperity or development.

Now why have successful generation of govts in Nigeria been morbidly afraid of developing other ports across the nation apart from the Lagos and PH ports? The Onitsha and Nsukka (Gelegele) Ports ought to have been dredged a long time ago for further economic development but they were avoided due to political reasons. Even the other international airports only became upgraded because of increasing cry for even pace of development which constitutionally ought not to have been an issue.

Sadly, Nigeria has been a rotten entity whose skewed and defective foundation has been a problem from antiquity. However, it is annoying when political charlatans choose to insult the sensibility of vexed citizens by openly trying to arm twist the solemn truth just to please their political slave masters.

Why did you neglect the point raised by Reno that Oyo state despite landlock generate more IGR than the entire SE.

That has to do with leadership and not port

Ttalk:
Why did you neglect the point raised by Reno that Oyo state despite landlock generate more IGR than the entire SE.

That has to do with leadership and not port

he says oyo generates more wealth for GDP which is false if you understand what GDP means. Both Anambra and Imo have bigger GDP than Oyo. Imo has a bigger GDP than all other south west state apart from Lagos, the no man's land.

Generating wealth for GDP is a meaningless economic expression meant to deceive his followers.

Armaggedon:
he says oyo generates more wealth for GDP which is false if you understand what GDP means. Both Anambra and Imo have bigger GDP than Oyo. Imo has a bigger GDP than all other south west state apart from Lagos, the no man's land.

Generating wealth for GDP is a meaningless economic expression meant to deceive his followers.

your proof ? Or u just want us to take everything in your head like na fact?

Armaggedon:
he says oyo generates more wealth for GDP which is false if you understand what GDP means. Both Anambra and Imo have bigger GDP than Oyo. Imo has a bigger GDP than all other south west state apart from Lagos, the no man's land.

Generating wealth for GDP is a meaningless economic expression meant to deceive his followers.

It's tea you suppose to take on Sunday morning.

We are talking about IGR you are saying another thing.

If you are talking about GDP can you present 2024 data to back this your claim?

No story, just recent data to support your lies

The thread is not on Reno family but on the lazy set of people that give all sort of senseless excuses why they remain a failure.

Skeyskey:
To think that its the same Reno Omokri who abandoned his family for no reason is on social media idling away.

Biodun556:
Please don't make racist and tribalistic comments on this section

An average yoruba man always carry anything Igbo on his head why?

As for reno I have nothing to say to someone that is biase and partial.

Someone cited Oyo state in comparison to the 5 Eastern state this one is shouting Lagos.

AMINDA:
If it's a myth, why has this success not been replicated in any other SWestern state aside Lagos? Proximity to the sea with accompanying infrastructure is a worldwide known precursor to development. In geopolitics, it's called the Geography of Development.