President Good luck Jonathan Tuesday took his election campaign to the opposition stronghold of Lagos with promises to transform the country's economic hub if he wins the April vote.
Lagos, the most populous of Nigeria's 36 states with around 18 million people, has been controlled by the opposition since its creation in 1967.
It also served as the country's administrative capital until 20 years ago when the seat of government moved to Abuja.
"Lagos is home to every tribe in Nigeria. You cannot play with such an important segment of the economy," Jonathan told ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) supporters at a stadium.
Stands of the huge Tafawa Balewa were empty with a few thousands of loyalists seated on the pitch.
"Lagos is a special state. For you to fix the economy of Nigeria, you must know what Lagos wants," said the Nigerian leader, spotting a traditional Lagos "eyo masquarade" attire -- a white flowing robe and a Mexican sombrero-like hat.
He also promised to improve facilities at Lagos' congested seaports in a bid to stimulate trade, commerce and industry as well as widen the busy road to the airport which sees some passengers miss flights many a time while stuck in traffic jams.
To help back his pledges at the rally were the finance and oil ministers.
Finance Minister Olusegun Aganga said the economy has improved tremendously under Jonathan's 10-months rule.
"Our growth rate is now 7.85 percent which is one of the fastest growing economies in the world," said Aganga.
The PDP has won every presidential vote since Nigeria returned to civilian rule in 1999.
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