Reducing the population of the state called Lagos

THE  Seven-Up end of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway daily records unprecedented influx of people into Lagos from across the country. Indeed a recent study reveals that over 25,000 people from across the

world move into Lagos for various reasons on a daily basis. This is what makes Lagos a melting pot.

This is what makes Lagos tick. The presence of people from diverse walks of life is partly responsible for the prosperity of Lagos. It is ironic, however, that the prosperity of Lagos has also brought a huge pressure on the state as its sheer human population puts serious pressure on infrastructure in the state.

You can imagine the number of heavy duty vehicles that ply Lagos roads on a daily basis. You can imagine the number of pupils and students from other states that attend Lagos public schools. Consequently, the state spends more on infrastructural upgrading and provision of other basic life necessities than any state in the country. Eighty percent of the industries in the country are located in Lagos.

This ushers in prosperity. However, the prosperity is with a cost as it has serious environmental implications on the state. Hence, the state government spends more on environmental protection. Thus, the case of Lagos is like that of big head, big headache.

One of the reasons given for the conception of the Lagos State Resident Identification Exercise is for the state government to have a population data on which adequate planning can be hinged upon.  Lagos is renowned to be very accommodating and liberal; it is an open secret that a good percentage of the patients that use the health facilities in the state come from neighbouring states. Lagos, indeed, is one of the states where residency, ethnic and political divides are not considered for people to enjoy the dividends of democracy.

This is, however, coming at a price: the enormous population that troops into the State from all over the world has far- reaching consequences on infrastructures in the state. Despite being relatively hospitable, the state like all other governments world –wide, has a set budget designed to aid   implementation of its programmes and activities based on available resources.

This hospitality should not be abused at the expense of the social needs of the state. In the health sector, Lagos State indiscriminately provides health care services and drugs for Nigerians in Lagos from ages 0-12 and 60 and above. Free ante-natal care is also provided for pregnant women.

These services are available at healthcare centres that traverse the state with the additional Eko Free Health Mission which is carried out at intervals on a weekly basis with the Ministry of Health in taking care of people in the district by offering test and treatments for eye ailments, blood pressure, diabetics and dental care, etc.

In order to reduce pressure on the state, it is important that governments across the country embrace good governance. The primary purpose of governance is to improve the living condition of the people. No more, no less. The time is ripe for public office holders in the country to change their perception of public offices.

They are principally voted into office to serve the people by bringing up developmental agenda that are meant to improve the lot of the people. It is unfortunate that most of them add to the burden of the people rather than reducing it. Imagine what the country would look like if we have more Fasholas, Amaechis, Lamidos and Oshiomoles at the helm of affairs in all the states across the country. It means more people will rather choose to stay in their states than coming to hustle in Lagos.

If all the states are properly governed, there will be more opportunities for the people across the country which will eventually reduce the pressure on Lagos. For instance, the neglect of basic infrastructure and amenities in neighboring Ogun State over the years will not only be a big challenge to the new administration of Governor Amosun but definitely may also create an image problem for Lagos State, as most visitors coming through the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway will be assaulted with the pungent smell coming from mountains of unpacked refuse along the roads.

It will also not be out of place if the state is given a better deal in the revenue sharing formula in the country.  There is obvious reason to review the status of the State as a commercial and economic hub and reconsider it worthy as one of the states to benefit from the 13 per cent derivation formula. This will ensure relative and even development.

Also, the governors in the South West region, and indeed other regions in the country, could form different regional organisations that will fast track the economic and infrastructural development of their respective regions. Common issues such as joint agricultural programme, road network, education, healthcare, among others, could be tackled together to achieve better results.

Fortunately, the 2011 elections saw most of the states in the South West voting for candidates with progressive credentials because of their yearnings for good governance. They should take advantage of their popular mandates to provide succour to the down-trodden in their respective states.-Vanguard