Verydarkman Blames Lagos for Nigeria’s Economic Problems Says State is Milking the Country
Nigerian activist and social media personality Verydarkman, also known as Martins Vincent Otse, has sparked a heated debate after blaming Lagos for Nigeria’s economic struggles. In a recent video posted online, he argued that too much economic activity and government focus are concentrated in Lagos, leaving other states underdeveloped.
According to him, this imbalance has slowed down Nigeria’s growth. He suggested that Lagos has become the centre of everything, from business headquarters to entertainment, while other states are ignored. Verydarkman even went as far as to say Lagos should be considered a country of its own because of its dominance.
He pointed out the seaport sector as a clear example. Nigeria has several coastal states that could host functional seaports, yet only Lagos is fully developed and approved. This, he claimed, forces businesses from other regions to depend on Lagos for clearing goods, making trade more expensive and limiting local growth.
Verydarkman also called for the federal government to act by creating more economic opportunities outside Lagos. He proposed at least three new seaports and 13 international airports in other parts of the country. This, he said, would reduce congestion in Lagos, boost trade, and spread wealth more evenly across Nigeria.
His message was also directed at the Igbo people and other Nigerians he described as “reasonable,” urging them to push for fairer economic distribution. He argued that decentralisation is not just about fairness but also about making Nigeria stronger and more efficient as a whole.
Reactions from Nigerians online showed mixed opinions. Some agreed with him, pointing out that Lagos enjoys a monopoly over ports, airports, and corporate headquarters. Others noted that monopoly makes goods and services more expensive, while some critics dismissed his views, saying Lagos is not the cause of Nigeria’s problems.
Supporters of Verydarkman’s position compared the situation to a family where one member holds all the wealth, making it difficult for others to grow. Detractors, however, argued that Lagos’s position is similar to New York in the United States, which thrives as an economic hub without stopping growth in other cities.
This is not the first time Verydarkman has stirred discussions about fairness in Nigeria’s economy. Recently, he was also seen with stars like Phyno, Naira Marley, and Burna Boy, showing that his influence reaches both activism and entertainment. His latest remarks have once again placed him at the centre of national conversations about inequality, development, and the future of Nigeria’s economy.
