Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to Tinubu on Policy Communication, has backtracked on his earlier description of Lagos as a “no-man’s land,” a statement that triggered widespread criticism following his appearance on Arise Television.
In a clarification posted on his official X handle, Bwala stressed that Lagos is historically, culturally, and constitutionally the land of the Yoruba people.
He said his words had been misinterpreted, noting that the city’s unique Yoruba identity has “never been in contention and should not be distorted.”
Bwala likened Lagos to global economic powerhouses such as New York, Paris, and London, highlighting its dual role as Nigeria’s commercial hub and a cosmopolitan city welcoming citizens from across the country.
“What I emphasised was the special place Lagos occupies in Nigeria and West Africa, a city that serves as the commercial nerve centre of our economy while remaining firmly rooted in Yoruba heritage,” he said.
He also explained that his earlier comments on federal investments in Lagos were intended to underline the city’s strategic importance, not to suggest it was “no-man’s land.”
The adviser cited the N3.9 trillion federal projects allocated to Lagos over two years as justified investments in the nation’s economic growth.
“Lagos provides every Nigerian, regardless of origin, a level playing field to thrive,” Bwala added, reiterating that the city’s identity as a Yoruba homeland is settled and beyond dispute.
