Nigerian social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, commonly known as Verydarkman, has sparked widespread debate after blaming Lagos State for many of the country’s economic problems. In a video recently shared online, he argued that the centralisation of political, economic, and infrastructural development in Lagos is impairing Nigeria’s national progress.
Verydarkman claimed that the majority of federal government attention, private investment, ports, entertainment industry headquarters, and international airports are either located or concentrated in Lagos. This concentration, he said, creates imbalance and leaves other states underdeveloped and unable to realise their full potential. He held up the seaport sector as a case study, noting there are states with coastline or potential to host seaports but which the government has not developed or approved for such functions.
In advocating for more balanced development, Verydarkman asked that other regions, particularly in the South-East and other “economically significant states,” be given more opportunities to grow economically and infrastructurally. He urged “reasonable Nigerians,” including Igbo people, to demand a fairer distribution of infrastructure and investment. Among his proposals were the construction of at least three additional seaports and thirteen more international airports in states outside Lagos.
The video has generated considerable reactions on social media. Some users resonated with his point of view, agreeing that Lagos has had a “monopoly” on development and infrastructure that should rightly be more evenly spread. Comments also raised concerns that transport and import costs are higher for people outside Lagos because goods must be routed through Lagos seaports.
Others challenged Verydarkman’s allegations, arguing that Lagos’s concentration of resources is partly historical and tied to its unique geography, commercial importance, and population density. Some critics also questioned whether the proposed redistribution of infrastructure would be feasible or efficient.
The conversation has brought renewed attention to Nigeria’s regional inequalities and the debate over how to distribute development more fairly. As Verydarkman’s message circulates, policy makers, community leaders, and citizens alike are being prompted to consider how the country might re-imagine its approach to investment, infrastructure, and economic planning so that all states benefit proportionally.
