Lagos state collected N1.77 trillion in internally generated revenue during 2025, yet residents continue to face severe economic pressures including housing shortages, high rents, unemployment, unreliable electricity and rising living costs, according to Laja Adeoye, the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) governorship candidate. Adeoye said the state's strong revenue position had failed to translate into adequate relief for households and businesses, and called for a change in development approach ahead of the 6 February 2027 governorship election.
Although Lagos remains Nigeria's leading state in internally generated revenue, Adeoye identified multiple challenges confronting residents, including high rents, multiple taxation, traffic congestion, unreliable power supply and inadequate public infrastructure. He said these conditions had increased both the cost of living and the cost of doing business in the state. Adeoye criticised the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), which has governed Lagos since 1999, arguing that experience in office should deliver relief rather than additional burdens for residents.
Adeoye's proposed alternative, which he called the 'Atunto Eko 1.0' agenda, prioritises employment, affordable housing, electricity, healthcare, education and infrastructure, with significant private-sector involvement. Under the plan, he proposed creating approximately 100,000 direct jobs within two years and up to 1.5 million jobs within four years through technology hubs in Yaba and Ogba, agro-processing centres, skills academies and an 'Eko Skill Code' programme. The proposal also includes developing about 100,000 affordable homes through private-sector partnerships and single-digit mortgage financing.
On electricity, Adeoye proposed generating at least 2,000 megawatts through independent power projects to create a more independent power supply system for the state. He said improved electricity supply would reduce business operating costs and support economic expansion. For small businesses, Adeoye proposed setting aside N50 billion annually in seed capital and grants targeting 50,000 youths and women entrepreneurs. He also committed to building or rehabilitating more than 300 primary healthcare centres within 18 months.
Adeoye said his private-sector experience in project delivery, contractor management and property development would guide his governance approach. He pledged not to abandon ongoing projects but to prioritise paying contractors who had completed their work. He also criticised forced evictions in communities such as Makoko and Oworonshoki, saying affected residents should be consulted and provided alternatives. The 2027 election features 17 candidates competing for the governorship.
For Lagos residents, these competing proposals on housing costs, power reliability, employment opportunities and government responsiveness represent fundamentally different approaches to addressing the economic pressures they face daily.