Lagos IGR Soars But Residents Don’t Feel Impact — Rhodes-Vivour

The Lagos State governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, has criticised successive administrations in the state for allegedly prioritising the interests of wealthy residents over the welfare of ordinary Lagosians.

Rhodes-Vivour made the remarks on Sunday during a governorship debate organised by the Nigeria Debate Consortium in Lagos, where he outlined his plans to address the state’s challenges.

The ADC candidate accused successive governments of pursuing elite-focused policies over the past two decades, particularly in housing and urban development, leaving many low-income residents struggling with inadequate infrastructure and housing.

He cited the situation in Makoko, a waterfront community in Lagos, alleging that urban renewal policies had placed residents at risk of losing their homes and livelihoods.

Rhodes-Vivour also questioned the impact of the state’s rising internally generated revenue (IGR), arguing that increased government earnings had not translated into better living conditions for ordinary residents.

“Lagos government, in the last 20 years, has focused on elite policies, eyebrow areas for housing. That’s why on paper, Lagos celebrates a high IGR, but on the ground, people are not feeling it. We would focus on people, our policies are tailored towards that,” he said.

He said his manifesto prioritised residents’ welfare, with proposed interventions targeting waste management, traffic congestion, healthcare delivery and the housing deficit.

“My manifesto has always stood with the people, putting the interest of the people first. I have that track record. We’re bringing solution thinking to the problems of Lagos State, waste management, traffic, healthcare, housing,” he said.

The ADC candidate pledged that an administration led by his party would introduce policies addressing the everyday challenges of residents.

He also reiterated his proposal to deliver 100,000 housing units as part of efforts to address the state’s housing needs.

The debate was organised by the Nigeria Debate Consortium, a coalition comprising The PUNCH, Channels Television, TVC News, TheCable and Vanguard.

Lagos continues to grapple with challenges involving affordable housing, urban renewal, traffic congestion and access to basic services amid population growth and expanding urban development.

Makoko has remained at the centre of debates over urban renewal, demolitions, displacement and the rights of residents affected by development projects.