The question of accountability, effective governance and the management of public resources has once again taken centre stage in Lagos State's political conversation ahead of the 2027 governorship election, following some pointed remarks by the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) governorship candidate, Funso Doherty.
Speaking at the 2026 Nigeria Debate Consortium governorship debate on Sunday, November 8, 2026, Doherty challenged the performance of successive Lagos administrations, arguing that the state has failed to translate its enormous economic resources and revenue-generating capacity into better living conditions for ordinary residents.
According to him, Lagos State's internally generated revenue (IGR) is greater than the combined IGR of 31 other states in Nigeria, a remarkable financial advantage that should ordinarily translate into improved infrastructure, affordable housing, accessible healthcare, quality education, reliable public services and greater economic opportunities.
The comparison is supported by the 2025 IGR figures attributed to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). Lagos reportedly generated approximately ₦1.77 trillion, compared with about ₦1.73 trillion generated collectively by 31 other states, excluding the five other highest revenue-generating states.
However, Doherty's argument goes beyond the impressive revenue figures. His central concern is whether Lagosians are receiving sufficient value for the taxes, levies and other financial obligations imposed on them by the government.
He argued that despite residents fulfilling their financial responsibilities, their everyday experiences continue to deteriorate, with the cost of living, housing, transportation and access to essential services becoming increasingly difficult.
"We believe that Lagos is operating far below its potential, and as a result of that, you, Lagosians, are operating far below your potential, and your lives are getting more and more difficult. You pay your taxes, you pay endless levies and yet you are getting less and less for it," Doherty said.
He also questioned the performance of the political establishment that has governed Lagos for approximately 27 years, arguing that successive administrations have had sufficient time and resources to address many of the challenges confronting the state.
For Doherty, the problem is not necessarily the absence of financial resources but the inability of successive governments to deploy those resources effectively in ways that directly improve the lives of citizens.
He further disclosed that Lagos has a 2026 budget of approximately ₦4.4 trillion, compared with ₦3.3 trillion in 2025, while arguing that nearly 90 per cent of the state's internally generated revenue comes from taxes paid by residents.
"The people are definitely playing their own part. It is the government that is failing," he maintained.
The NDC candidate identified healthcare, education, affordable housing, employment, support for small businesses, environmental management and accountable governance as critical areas requiring urgent attention.
His proposed Ọ̀nà Tuntun manifesto reportedly contains 34 commitments across six major policy areas, including free public education, improved healthcare delivery, affordable housing, job creation and better public transportation.
He has also promised to facilitate 500,000 jobs, establish approximately 40 technical and vocational schools and expand access to affordable housing if elected governor.
The debate presents an important question for Lagos voters ahead of 2027: after nearly three decades of uninterrupted governance by the same political establishment, should the electorate continue to accept the same explanations, or is it time to demand measurable results?
Lagos remains Nigeria's commercial powerhouse, with enormous opportunities in finance, technology, entertainment, manufacturing, trade, tourism and real estate. But economic prominence and impressive revenue figures should not be the only measures of success.
Ultimately, the prosperity of a state should be reflected in the quality of life of its residents.
For millions of Lagosians struggling with accommodation, transportation costs, electricity, healthcare expenses and the rising cost of living, the real question is not how much revenue the government generates, but how much of that revenue translates into tangible benefits.
As the 2027 governorship election approaches, Doherty's remarks have placed an important issue before the electorate: If Lagos has the resources, why are so many Lagosians still struggling to enjoy the benefits of living in Nigeria's richest state?
The government must be judged not merely by how much money it collects, but by what it delivers in return.
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