Utomi advises FG to copy Lagos to recover from recession

Professor Pat Utomi has advised the Federal Government to copy economic model of Lagos State for the nation’s economy to witness a turnaround.
The renowned economist and financial expert stressed at the weekend that this step is a crucial catalyst for the nation to get out of the present economic conundrum.
Utomi, who spoke at the Executive/Legislative retreat for members of the State Executive Council and lawmakers from the Senate, House of Representatives as well as the House of Assembly, said there were lessons to be learnt from Lagos State.
He explained that the state’s economy is largely driven by its huge investment in infrastructure, vibrant tax collection and an enabling environment for businesses to thrive, with less-dependence on oil revenue.
Utomi, in his paper, cited Comrade Adams Oshiomhole when, on emerging as Edo State governor, said he would learn how Lagos was getting it right and replicate same in Edo State.
“The first thing he (Oshiomhole) did was to say he needed to learn how Lagos was getting it right. And he came over to Lagos with his core team to understudy the Lagos developmental model. And we can see how that worked well in Edo,” he said.
He added that several other states followed suit in emulating how the tax and IGR template works in Lagos State and how the public service was structured to enhance good coordination.
Utomi said the Lagos State example should be prescribed for other states and for Nigeria, because, according to him, the momentum will be good for the country.
He equally canvassed that the Southwest states scale up their economic integration. “This is why I have always advocated a Lagos-Ibadan megalopolis. Lagos is already a mega city by virtue of its population. But a deliberate economic integration with other Southwest states can produce even better results.
“This won’t be a new template. In fact, it will be taking us back to the template of the old federal structure in a way, when the three regions had a healthy competitive spirit that brought about development.
The Senator representing Lagos East, Gbenga Ashafa, hailed Governor Akinwunmi Ambode for coming up with a platform, “where the executive and legislature meet to deliberate on issues affecting the people with a view to pull human and material resources together in the interest of the people”.
Ashafa, who chairs the Senate Committee on Land Transport, said he had been assured by Ambode that the rail reform of Lagos was almost ready.

He added that upon completion, the Light Rail will bring serious dividends of democracy to the people, as well as employment, which in turn, will hasten Nigeria’s recovery from recession.