Daniel Bwala, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, has described Lagos State as a “no-man’s land” and the pride of Nigeria’s economy. He made this statement during an interview on the Daybreak programme on Arise Television on Wednesday.

Bwala explained that the concentration of federal projects in Lagos should not be seen as favouritism but as necessary investment in Nigeria’s commercial hub. According to him, Lagos holds a unique place in the country’s economic landscape.

“Let me tell you why Lagos State is different. Lagos State is a no-man’s land. In the last election, the President who comes from the South-West did not win Lagos. That tells you the cosmopolitan nature of Lagos State,” he said.

He further argued that the city attracts businesses from across the country. “The richest man in Africa is a northerner. His business is not in Kano, it’s in Lagos. Almost every rich man that you know in Nigeria has business undertaking in Lagos and the Nigerian people are represented in Lagos. If not because probably the majority of the people are Yoruba speaking, you will wonder whether Lagos indeed is from the South-West.”

Drawing comparisons with international economic hubs, Bwala added, “London has more investment than the entire states in England put together. New York has more infrastructure and investment than the rest of the United States, including California. Paris has more investment. So in every country, wherever you find the commercial nerve of that country, you are likely to see the need to put infrastructure in place in order to boost the economy. Whatever Lagos benefits, the country benefits.”

Bwala defended the reported N3.9 trillion worth of federal projects allocated to Lagos in two years, saying it was justified because Lagos remained Nigeria’s hub of commerce and a beacon of economic growth.

“So the idea that you put more in Lagos than in other states or the federation should be put into a proper context. Lagos is a no-man’s land. Lagos is the hub of Nigeria. Lagos is the pride of the country,” he stated.

The Industrial Training Fund (ITF) has started spot checks and follow-up monitoring of ongoing Skill-Up Artisans (SUPA) trainings across the Federation.

The unannounced visits are designed to verify training at approved centres, assess quality of delivery, confirm trainer and trainee participation, check the use of facilities and materials, and ensure health, safety, and welfare standards.

During a visit to training centres in Jos, the Director General and Chief Executive of ITF, Dr. Afiz Oluwatoyin Ogun, explained that the exercise is “aimed at ensuring quality assurance, transparency, and alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

The SUPA Programme is focused on certifying and licensing artisans, boosting small and medium enterprises, reducing labour import, and increasing Nigeria’s skilled workforce. Spot check photos show active sessions with ITF officials engaging trainers and participants across different centres nationwide.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday in Abuja announced that the 2025 revenue target was achieved as early as August, attributing the success to ongoing economic reforms that are stimulating growth in the non-oil sector. He noted that most of the revenue came from the non-oil sector and assured Nigerians that the Renewed Hope Agenda remains focused on building critical infrastructure, improving health facilities, ensuring food sovereignty, and strengthening security across the country.

Speaking at a meeting held at the Presidential Villa with the founding members of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change and The Buhari Organisation, led by former Governor of Nasarawa State, Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, President Tinubu said the economy is on the right path.

“The economy is now stabilised. Nobody is trading pieces of paper for foreign exchange anymore. The economy is now predictable. You do not need to know the CBN Governor, Yemi Cardoso, to obtain foreign exchange or import goods. What we need now is building the ship and the vessels for the export of our goods and creating more jobs for our people,” the President said.

He added that the federal government will establish agricultural mechanisation centres in all regions of the country to build capacity, expand cultivation and harvest, and guarantee food sovereignty. “We are going to have trainees. That programme is our path to food sovereignty,” Tinubu stated.

Reflecting on his long political journey with the Congress for Progressive Change, President Tinubu described the experience as “a sweet memory” and thanked members of the group for their loyalty and support over the years. “When I see people like you, I am determined to work harder,” he said.

He assured the delegation that the legacies of former President Muhammadu Buhari would be preserved, announcing plans to immortalise him with the establishment of a Buhari House. Tinubu further promised that more members of the defunct CPC would be given opportunities to participate in his administration.

“Thank you for your patience until now. But first of all, we must cure the economy and bring hope to the people, which is what we stand for. Thank you for believing in me,” the President told the delegation.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, who was present at the meeting, commended President Tinubu for his statesmanship and magnanimity towards the people and government of Katsina State. Abbas also praised the President’s vision and his ability to accommodate different political stakeholders.

The leader of the delegation, Al-Makura, said members of the former Congress for Progressive Change remain committed to the success of the All Progressives Congress government. He thanked the President for his role in the final rites of former President Buhari.

“You not only buried President Buhari but also honoured him and ensured a befitting state burial with full military honours. Above all, your presence throughout the ceremony was comforting as it was reassuring,” Al-Makura said.

He pledged continued loyalty to the Tinubu administration, adding, “This is to assure you that we believe in your administration, and that will be our focus and commitment to ensure the success of our party and your ultimate victory in the 2027 elections.”