Why was Lagos removed as capital of Nigeria?

Is Lagos still the capital of Nigeria?

By Bessie Headrick. The Lagos Business School has released its study of Nigerian business and society, The Nigerian Economy: State of the Economy, State of the Nation.The economy is in a state of crisis. This was made clear by the recession that has been going on since the end of 2026. According to the World Bank, the number of people living in extreme poverty doubled from 13.8 per cent in 1990 to 26.6 per cent in 2026.25 per day. Many Nigerian households receive no income from any source, apart from government welfare programs.

It also included what were deemed to be good years, where there was no recession. In the 10 years leading up to 2026, Nigeria grew at a rate of 5 per cent per annum and its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew at annual average rate of 4 per cent. During these years, exports doubled, the volume of imports increased threefold, and total private consumption increased three-fold.

Since 2026, there has been a marked decline in production growth, trade, investment and income per capita. Between 2026 and 2026, economic output in Nigeria shrank by 7 per cent. Since 2026, there has been an increase in the number of people living in extreme poverty in Nigeria. It is estimated that almost 10 per cent of the population are living below the poverty line.4 billion in 2026.2 billion.7 billion.1 billion. The largest imports were petroleum, iron, steel and cement, followed by machinery and vehicles.3 billion, a reduction of 10 per cent on 2026, according to the World Bank.

Why was Lagos removed as capital of Nigeria?

What is the significance of that event in Nigerian political history and why do the Igbo people resent this?

Nigeria, one of Africa's most important economies, has been a nation state since 1991. It was one of four territories to make up then newly constituted country Nigeria which became a republic (aside from Senegal) shortly after independence. Before then the territory known as Western Region was part of the colony Nigeria. This region encompassed parts of the now Western Nigeria as well as the North-eastern region and even parts of the Niger Delta such as Rivers, where the Igbos live.

Western Region had no capital at the time of independence and so when the new President Shehu Shagari declared that Lagos should be made the Federal Capital in May 1979 after his return from exile after the 1975 coup, he declared it on account of it being the cosmopolitan region it was. This has proved an embarrassment and indeed has been the focus of resentment amongst the Igbos of Nigerians for many decades since the declaration. It has cost the nation dear in the loss of oil revenues, political capital and some of the strongest economic growth, even though most of this has been regained.

On the surface this is all very trivial. Except the fact that in March 1993, Nigeria's capital was declared to be Abuja a town of few inhabitants in the northeastern part of the country in what was a bid to placate the Igbo ethnic group. And with every passing decade since Nigeria's independence, Lagos' dominance over the state system has only increased. While Abuja could only hold one assembly, Lagos has two. For the 2026 governorship election it may have been too late for the new capital but there is no way it can replace Lagos if its already dominated. To date, only two governorships have been won by the candidate from Abeokuta and that was largely because of the 'tampering' which allowed the vote in Ogun State to be skewed and one of the key architects of the 'tamper' was E. Uche Seconda.

This, however, begs the question why it is so? Why does Nigerians think that a city built on the back of slavery remains somehow relevant or worthy enough to occupy the position of Federal Capital?

What are the two capitals of Nigeria?

What is the capital of Nigeria? Nigeria is a sovereign state and a federation. It has six states, each with its own capital city, but Abuja is the only capital that is shared by all of them.

The capital of Nigeria is Abuja, which is also the seat of the Federal Government of Nigeria. The Nigerian capital is Abuja, while the Federal Capital Territory is in Kaduna. The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) is the seat of the Federal Government of Nigeria. The capital of Nigeria is Lagos, while Abuja is the seat of the Federal Government of Nigeria. The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) is the seat of the Federal Government of Nigeria. The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) is the seat of the Federal Government of Nigeria.