Lagos’ high IGR not benefiting residents — Rhodes-Vivour

File photo: Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour

The Lagos State governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, has accused successive administrations in the state of pursuing policies that favour wealthy residents while neglecting the needs of ordinary people.

Rhodes-Vivour, popularly known as GRV, made the allegation on Sunday during a governorship debate organised by the Nigeria Debate Consortium in Lagos, where he presented his proposals for addressing the state’s challenges.

The ADC candidate faulted what he described as two decades of government policies that concentrated on affluent neighbourhoods, particularly in the housing sector.

He cited the handling of communities such as Makoko, accusing successive administrations of promoting urban development at the expense of residents who risk losing their homes and communities.

Rhodes-Vivour also questioned whether the state’s rising internally generated revenue had translated into improved living conditions for ordinary Lagosians.

“Lagos government, in the last 20 years, has focused on elite policies, eyebrow areas for housing. That’s why on paper, Lagos celebrates a high IGR, but on the ground, people are not feeling it. We would focus on people, our policies are tailored towards that,” he said.

The governorship candidate said his manifesto was centred on improving residents’ welfare, with plans to tackle issues such as poor waste management, traffic congestion, inadequate healthcare and housing shortages.

“My manifesto has always stood with the people, putting the interest of the people first. I have that track record. We’re bringing solution thinking to the problems of Lagos State, waste management, traffic, healthcare, housing,” he said.

He pledged that an ADC-led government would adopt policies that directly respond to residents’ needs, including his proposal to deliver 100,000 housing units.

The debate was organised by the Nigeria Debate Consortium, a coalition comprising  The PUNCH, Channels Television, TVC News, TheCable and Vanguard.

Lagos has faced persistent challenges involving affordable housing, urban renewal, traffic congestion and the provision of basic services as its population and built-up areas continue to expand.

Makoko, a waterfront community in the state, has featured in debates over demolitions, displacement and residents’ rights during urban development projects.