Proximity to Lagos: A Double-Edged Sword for Ogun and Ibadan — Insights from Obasanjo & the Entertainment Economy
On February 3, 2026, Ogun State marked a pivotal milestone — its 50th anniversary since creation in 1976. At the inter-faith prayer and thanksgiving service held in Abeokuta, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, a son of the South-West and a foundational figure in Nigeria’s democratic evolution, delivered a speech that has now captured national attention. His remarks went beyond celebration — they offered a political, economic, and developmental diagnosis rooted in one key theme: proximity to Lagos is both a blessing and a curse.
In this extended blog post, we unpack Obasanjo’s key points, explore how geographic closeness to Lagos offers both opportunities and challenges, and then apply this analytical frame to another South-West power centre — Ibadan, particularly focusing on its entertainment industry and broader economic potential.
Obasanjo’s Message at Ogun’s Golden Jubilee
At the 50th anniversary event in Oke Mosan, Abeokuta, Obasanjo reminded residents and leaders of Ogun State’s journey — from its creation out of Western Region to its current status as a gateway to economic activity between the South-West and Lagos.
A State Defined by Location
Obasanjo highlighted Ogun State’s proximity to Lagos — Nigeria’s commercial powerhouse — and urged current and future leaders to leverage this geographic advantage. He underscored that being close to the largest economy in West Africa is not just about shorter distances on a map but strategically positioning Ogun to capture investment, talent, and commerce.
But Obasanjo didn’t stop at praise. He also warned that closer ties to Lagos come with serious challenges — namely, security concerns and infrastructural pressure. Urban spillover, increased traffic, and broader socioeconomic externalities, if left unmanaged, can undermine long-term growth.
His advice to Governor Dapo Abiodun: double down on infrastructural development and security systems to turn this proximity into sustainable advantage instead of unmanaged risk. This message resonates deeply with broader developmental debates in Nigeria about decentralised growth and competitive federalism.
Ogun State @ 50: Development at the Crossroads
Today, Ogun State stands as more than a satellite of Lagos; it is a nexus of trade, tourism, and industry. Abeokuta — with its cultural heritage, educational institutions, and growing industrial hubs — has proven resilient. The state boasts tourism landmarks like Hi-Impact Planet, a major amusement and resort destination located just off the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, which has created jobs and local economic activity.
However, the reality remains that Ogun’s economic trajectory is closely tied to how it manages its relationship with Lagos — not just physically, but economically and socially.
Proximity to Lagos: A Blessing and a Curse — What Does It Really Mean?
The Blessing: Economic Spillovers
1. Market Access: Being close to Lagos means Ogun and nearby cities like Abeokuta and Ilaro benefit from spillover economic activity. Lagos’s massive consumer market, foreign direct investment flows, and corporate presence naturally radiate outwards — creating business linkages and employment opportunities.
2. Connectivity: Major transport corridors, including the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway and other arterial routes like the A5 highway, physically connect these economies, facilitating movement of goods, people, and services.
3. Industrial Growth: Ogun’s industrial zones benefit from easier logistics to Lagos ports and distribution hubs.
But the flip side — what Obasanjo called the curse — cannot be ignored.
The Curse: Competition, Congestion, and Overdependence
1. Security Pressures: As populations move between Lagos and neighbouring states, crime and insecurity can spread if local enforcement systems are weak. This is particularly relevant for Ogun, which must strengthen its security frameworks to protect investments.
2. Infrastructure Strain: Roads and utilities built for smaller populations face pressure from urban spillover. Without strategic planning, cities can become congested and strained.
3. Economic Dependence: Proximity can inadvertently make states like Ogun dependent on Lagos’s economy, rather than developing autonomous economic identities.
This duality — between opportunity and challenge — creates a dynamic tension that local governments must manage through policy, planning, and investment.
Ibadan: A Parallel Story in the Heart of Oyo State
While Ogun State reflects on half a century of evolution, Ibadan — the capital of Oyo State — shares a similar narrative, especially in how its proximity to Lagos shapes its economy and culture.
Ibadan and Lagos — Connectivity and Opportunity
Strategically positioned about 120 kilometres from Lagos, Ibadan’s connectivity is anchored by the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, one of Nigeria’s busiest inter-state corridors. This link has facilitated trade, commuting, and economic integration across industries.
Recent real estate and economic reports find that enhanced connectivity — including the Lagos–Ibadan Standard Gauge Railway — has attracted investors and boosted land values along the corridor.
Ibadan’s Entertainment Industry: Untapped Potential and Real Challenges
Ibadan historically boasts a rich entertainment and cultural footprint — from music to film and nightlife. Local observers and industry voices suggest:
Ibadan has produced notable artists and creatives and remains a cultural inspiration in music and entertainment. Some informal data even points to a vibrant nightlife and music scene that draws crowds and talent.
Industry insiders argue that Ibadan needs more structured support and sponsorship if it is to compete more directly with Lagos’s established entertainment ecosystem. Local stars point to Lagos’s dominance in promotion, funding, and industry platforms — a gap that needs bridging for Ibadan to thrive at scale.
Researchers note that Ibadan’s advantages — lower production costs, less congestion, and community support — make it attractive for film shoots and creative projects. However, challenges like limited professional infrastructure, fewer job opportunities, and insufficient corporate backing still persist.
From Tourism to Tech: A City at a Development Junction
Ibadan is not just about entertainment. Urban analysts highlight:
A growing startup ecosystem, particularly in tech and fintech sectors, driven by university talent and lower operational costs.
Real estate development linked to improved transport infrastructure, raising land values and encouraging commercial activity.
A need to strengthen infrastructure and amenities — from reliable utilities to modern transportation — to fully capitalise on these opportunities.
Ibadan’s Proximity to Lagos — Blessing or Curse?
Much like Obasanjo’s message for Ogun, Ibadan’s relationship with Lagos is paradoxical.
The Blessings:
Cost Advantages: Lower living and production costs attract young talent and startups.
Cultural Resonance: A rich creative history fuels local identity and draws artists who prefer the city’s ambiance.
Logistical Access: Efficient railway connections and major highways make Ibadan an attractive hub for commuters and businesses.
The Curses:
Talent Drain: Without adequate industry infrastructure, top creative talent often migrates to Lagos for broader opportunities.
Underinvestment: Corporates and sponsors still see Lagos as the primary destination for major entertainment investments.
Infrastructure Gaps: Compared with Lagos, amenities, modern production studios, and facilitation systems remain limited.
Conclusion: Strategic Proximity Requires Strategic Policy
Ogun State’s Golden Jubilee reminded Nigerians that competitive growth isn’t about geography alone — it’s about mobilising that geography through policy, security, investment, and innovation. Obasanjo’s comments reflect a deep understanding that location advantage must be harnessed with vision.
For cities like Ibadan, a similar strategic rethink is necessary. Ibadan’s proximity to Lagos gives it access to a massive market and connectivity benefits, yet the curse of infrastructural and industrial gaps threatens its rise. If policymakers, investors, and cultural leaders can strategically harness proximity — through infrastructure development, industry support, and economic diversification — both Ogun and Ibadan could transform from peripheral cities into regional hubs of culture, commerce, and innovation.
0 Comments