19/09/2024
Dear Oluwabusola,
Thank you for your feedback. Lagos became the capital of Nigeria in 1914. Whereas, Carter Bridge was built in 1901, and the first electric power generation plant was built in Lagos in 1886. Also, the Iddo rail terminus was built in 1900.
Please note that the reason Carter Bride was built was because of the heavy vehicular traffic in Lagos, which led to the deaths of pedestrians, even where pedestrian bridges were provided along with bus stops.
Do you see this open defecation that is now leading to arrests in Lagos? Please fact-check me: It started in 1900 when Lagosians were arrested if they failed to use the first public toilet and night soil disposal point in Nigeria, which was completed at Ebute-Elefun, Lagos, in 1900.
If Lagos already had the longest bridge in West Africa by 1901, along with a power generating plant, sewer systems, a functioning rail network, and a municipal bus service as well as a ferry system, and public toilets, it would appear that it was Lagos's development that led to the choice of the city being made the capital of Nigeria, not vice versa.
After all, Calabar was the first capital of Southern Nigeria from 1884 to 1906, before being he capital was moved to Eko, yet it is not as developed as Lagos. Also, Lagos stopped being Nigeria's capital thirty-three years ago on December 12, 1991. However, since that date, Lagos's economy has multiplied by four. So, it looks like the capitalisation of Lagos prevented its development rather than the other way around. Wouldn't you say so, given the facts?
Lagos became a Federal Capital because it was developed. Lagos was not developed because it became a Federal Capital.
Thanks again, Oluwabusola (if that is your real name), and may God bless you.