DOES OSOGBO HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO BECOME THE NEXT LAGOS?

By: Bashorun Adekanola Desmond Abiodun 

As Nigeria's largest city by population and economic output, Lagos has long been the commercial and cultural hub of the country. However, as Lagos grapples with overpopulation, traffic congestion, and infrastructural challenges, attention is shifting to other cities that could potentially relieve some of the pressure and even emerge as the next big thing. One city often mentioned in this context is Osogbo, the capital of Osun State. But does Osogbo have what it takes to become the next Lagos? This article delves into the factors that could propel Osogbo to greater heights and the challenges it must overcome to achieve this status.

1. Historical and Cultural Significance

Osogbo has a rich history and cultural heritage that rivals that of Lagos. Established in the 16th century. In 1961, ECN completed a 132 kV transmission line linking Lagos to Ibadan via Shagamu; in 1965, this line was extended to Oshogbo, Benin, and Ughelli to form the Western System. Osogbo is a commercial and industrial center, with industries like the British Cotton Growing Association and the Nigerian Tobacco Company (NTC) establishing factories there.

In 1907, a major turning point occurred when railway tracks were constructed linking Osogbo to other parts of Northern Nigeria, contributing to its industrial and commercial development. 

The Sacred Grove of Osun Osogbo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located in Osogbo and is one of the last examples of its kind, still revered today.

Potential:

Cultural Tourism: Osogbo's rich history and cultural assets make it a strong candidate for cultural tourism, which could drive economic growth and development.

Challenges:

Underinvestment in Infrastructure: To capitalize on its historical and cultural significance, Osogbo needs significant investment in infrastructure, including the restoration and promotion of its historical sites.

Branding: Osogbo must work on branding itself as a cultural hub, which requires coordinated efforts from the government, private sector, and local communities.

2. Economic Potential

Lagos is Nigeria's economic powerhouse, but Osogbo has the potential to become a significant economic center in its own right. The city is strategically located at the center of Southwest states, Federal government just needs to resuurrect railway to connect Osogbo with other parts of the country. Osogbo also has a large and growing population, providing a ready market for goods and services.

Potential:

Industrial Growth: Osogbo's proximity to Lagos, coupled with its relatively lower cost of living and doing business, makes it an attractive destination for industries looking to expand or relocate.

Agriculture: Osun State is a major agricultural producer, and Osogbo, as its capital, is well-positioned to become a hub for agro-processing and agribusiness.

Challenges:

Infrastructural Deficits: Osogbo lacks the robust infrastructure that Lagos has developed over decades, including efficient transportation systems, and modern communication networks.

Investment Climate: To attract more investors, Osogbo needs to improve its business environment by streamlining bureaucratic processes, offering incentives, and ensuring security.

3. Urbanization and Infrastructure

Lagos is notorious for its traffic congestion, overcrowded neighborhoods, and inadequate infrastructure. In contrast, Osogbo offers more space for expansion and development. The city is spread over a large area, with relatively low population density compared to Lagos, which provides opportunities for planned urbanization.

Potential:

Urban Planning: With proper urban planning, Osogbo can avoid some of the pitfalls that Lagos has faced, such as haphazard development and slum proliferation.

Real Estate Development: The availability of land in Osogbo offers opportunities for real estate development, including residential, commercial, and industrial projects.

Challenges:

Infrastructure Development: To become a viable alternative to Lagos, Osogbo needs significant investment in infrastructure, including roads, public transportation, water supply, and sanitation.

Environmental Sustainability: As Osogbo urbanizes, it must prioritize environmental sustainability to avoid issues such as flooding, waste management problems, and loss of green spaces.

4. Transportation and Connectivity

One of the major advantages that Lagos has over other Nigerian cities is its connectivity. Lagos is home to the country's busiest seaports, an international airport, and extensive road networks. While Osogbo does not have a seaport, but railway connectivity will provides a faster and more efficient mode of transportation between the two cities, making Osogbo more accessible to businesses and commuters.

Expansion of Ido Osun Airport Facilities: The Ido Osun Airport, although smaller than the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, but has the potential for expansion to handle domestic and international flights.

Challenges:

Transportation Infrastructure: Osogbo’s road network requires significant upgrades to handle increased traffic and support economic growth.

Logistics and Supply Chain: The absence of a seaport in Osogbo means that the city must rely on Lagos for import and export activities, which could be a limiting factor in its bid to become a major economic center.

5. Social Amenities and Quality of Life

Lagos is known for its vibrant social scene, diverse culinary offerings, and entertainment industry, which is the largest in Africa. Osogbo, while quieter, has its own unique charm and a slower pace of life that appeals to those looking for a more relaxed environment.

Potential:

Affordable Living: Osogbo offers a lower cost of living compared to Lagos, making it an attractive option for families, retirees, and young professionals.

Cultural and Recreational Facilities: The city has a growing number of cultural and recreational facilities, including parks, shopping malls, and entertainment venues.

Challenges:

Social Infrastructure: To compete with Lagos, Osogbo needs to develop more social infrastructure, including parks, shopping malls, entertainment venues, hospitals, schools, and other recreational facilities, to improve the quality of life for its residents. The need for standard and modern Estate in a strategic location that will meet up with Lagos and Abuja status. 

6. Government Policy and Support

Government policy plays a crucial role in the development of any city. Lagos has benefited from being the focus of federal and state government attention for decades, leading to significant investments in infrastructure and economic development. For Osogbo to reach its full potential, it will require strong government support.

Potential:

Strategic Planning: The Osun State government can play a pivotal role in positioning Osogbo as an alternative to Lagos by implementing strategic urban planning and development policies.

Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): Encouraging PPPs can accelerate the development of infrastructure and social amenities in Osogbo.

Challenges:

Consistent Policy Implementation: Inconsistent policies and political instability can hinder the long-term development of Osogbo. It is essential for the government to maintain a stable and conducive environment for growth.

Corruption and Bureaucracy: Addressing issues of corruption and bureaucratic red tape is crucial to fostering investor confidence and ensuring efficient project execution.

CONCLUSION

Osogbo has the potential to become a significant economic and cultural center in Nigeria, but whether it can become the "next Lagos" is a more complex question. While the city has several advantages, including a rich history, strategic location, and growing economic sectors, it also faces significant challenges, particularly in infrastructure, urban planning, and investment climate.

To achieve the status of the next Lagos, Osogbo will need concerted efforts from the government, private sector, and civil society to address these challenges and capitalize on its strengths. While it may not fully replicate Lagos's role, Osogbo can carve out its niche as a complementary hub that offers a different, but equally valuable, contribution to Nigeria's growth and development.