Lagos State Deputy Governor and gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress APC, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat has sparked widespread discussion on regional economic integration by urging Southwest leaders to pool their resources and open up direct trade corridors across neighboring states.
He made the call during the Centennial Birthday Lecture organised by Afenifere in honour of Chief Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, CFR, held at the MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos.
This significant gathering, themed “A Century of Courage and Stewardship of Yorùbá Democratic Legacy,” brought together governors, special guests, distinguished leaders and members of Afenifere to celebrate a life of integrity, service and democratic commitment.
The core proposal pushes a clear, practical vision: instead of Lagos placing massive investments in far-off territories, such as sourcing rice from distant northern regions, the state should intentionally direct its immense purchasing power into sibling territories across the Southwest and its coastal neighbors.
This strategic economic model draws directly from classic Awoist philosophy, which championed regional self-reliance, localized production networks, and shared prosperity to lift communities out of poverty.
At the heart of this approach is aligning the massive consumer market of Lagos with the rich natural assets of its regional neighbors. Lagos consumes millions of bags of rice each year, a demand that could easily transform the agricultural fortunes of Oyo and Ekiti states if their vast, fertile farmlands are targeted for production and continuous supply contracts. Connecting Lagos’ food processing infrastructure directly to fields in Oyo and Ekiti keeps billions of naira circulating within the regional economy, creating thousands of agricultural jobs.
Similarly, the demand for seafood and marine resources in Lagos presents a immediate growth driver for coastal communities. Investing in and purchasing directly from the rich coastal waters of Ilaje in Ondo State and Iwere in Delta State would immediately revitalize local fishing industries, establish modern cold-chain logistics along the coast, and secure gas and maritime investments closer to home.
By linking the immense market of Lagos to the land of Oyo and Ekiti and the waters of Ilaje and Iwere, regional leaders can establish a self-sustaining economic corridor that transforms regional solidarity into real jobs and lasting economic empowerment.
