In a bold and clarifying statement on Wednesday, President Bola Tinubu reassured Nigerian governors that the Federal Government has no intention of undermining their control over local governments. Instead, he called for strengthened collaboration in driving development and tackling national challenges, underscoring that their leadership at the grassroots is critical to Nigeria’s prosperity.
Addressing a delegation of state governors and Vice President Kashim Shettima at his Ikoyi residence in Lagos, Tinubu spoke candidly about the role of state leadership in steering the country towards economic prosperity and food security. In what appeared to be a response to growing speculation about the Federal Government’s stance on local government autonomy, the President firmly rejected rumours of any disagreement.
“You control your local governments, and we have no intention of taking them away from you,” Tinubu declared, putting to rest months of gossip about a possible power struggle between the states and the Federal Government over local governance. “What we want is for you to drive development in your states. Let’s work together for the betterment of our country.”
This statement came after a series of discussions between the President and members of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), including its Chairman, Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara State. The meeting marked the first major public interaction between the President and the governors in 2025, and the President used the occasion to chart a clear path forward.
Prioritizing Agriculture for Economic Stability
At the core of Tinubu’s address was a renewed focus on agriculture as a critical pillar for Nigeria’s long-term stability and growth. Echoing the importance of a thriving agricultural sector, Tinubu urged the governors to intensify efforts to improve agricultural productivity as a key to both food security and economic resilience.
“We must work harder, grow more, and ensure that the situation of our currency improves,” Tinubu said, acknowledging the economic challenges the country is facing but also emphasizing the potential for growth through collaboration. “Nigeria can achieve prosperity, but it requires consistent effort from all of us. Your states are crucial to making this happen.”
The President’s remarks come amid ongoing efforts to stabilize the naira, which has seen fluctuating exchange rates that have impacted local businesses and agricultural exports. Tinubu is hopeful that the governors, with their control over the land and local resources, will spearhead initiatives that help mitigate these challenges.
A Partnership for Prosperity: The Call for Unity
Tinubu’s message was not just about agriculture and governance—it was also a call for unity and shared responsibility. He underscored that the Federal Government’s role in Nigeria’s development is limited to providing strategic leadership, with the governors playing a central role in executing policies at the state and local levels.
“You are the most important link to Nigeria’s prosperity and development. The Federal Government accounts for only about 30 to 35 percent of the allocated revenue; the rest is in your hands,” Tinubu said, framing the governors as the true drivers of the nation’s development.
The President acknowledged the significant contributions of state leaders in advancing various sectors, including infrastructure and social welfare. He lauded the governors for their efforts, despite the challenges posed by the national economic situation. “There is no state we cannot visit and be proud of its development,” he remarked, citing the positive strides made across Nigeria’s diverse regions.
Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, the Governor of Kwara State, echoed Tinubu’s sentiments, pointing to the growing success of agriculture-based policies. “In Jigawa, we saw a bumper harvest, but due to the strength of our currency, traders exported the harvest,” Abdulrazaq said. He highlighted that these challenges are being mitigated through strategic policies, including the creation of silos to store agricultural produce for future use. “We are encouraged to store bumper stocks for the rainy day. The policy is working, and we are committed to ensuring Nigeria achieves food security.”
Reflecting on Leadership and National Progress
As part of his reflection on leadership, President Tinubu acknowledged that his journey in office has not been without its struggles. However, he expressed confidence in Nigeria’s capacity to overcome obstacles, citing the resilience of both the federal and state leadership.
“I am glad I asked for this job, and Nigerians gave me the mandate,” he said, looking back at the achievements of his administration over the past 19 months. “We’ve made significant progress, but we are only just beginning. We’ll be on this voyage together, and I thank all of you for where we are today and where we are heading.”
In a moment of appreciation, Tinubu also acknowledged his recognition as Man of the Year by ThisDAY newspaper, a commendation he attributed to the tangible progress achieved under his leadership. Abdulrazaq also commended the President for his leadership, noting that the administration’s restructuring of the economy has enabled states to secure more funding despite inflation. “We are overriding the challenges, and we are seeing results,” Abdulrazaq said.
A National Push for Security and Stability
The governors were equally vocal in their support for the President’s efforts to address Nigeria’s security issues, particularly in terms of local governance and the role of state leadership in enhancing security architecture. Abdulrazaq emphasized that the governors are deeply committed to contributing to national security, with several states already making strides in improving safety and law enforcement.
“We are getting more funding for security, and we are confident that the states will continue to make progress in securing their localities,” the Kwara governor said.
Tinubu’s Upcoming Visit to Enugu
As part of his ongoing efforts to engage with Nigerians across the country, President Tinubu announced plans to visit Enugu State on January 4, 2025. This visit will be part of a broader strategy to deepen ties with state governments and continue the push for collaborative development across the nation.
“We have better allocations now, and I’m committed to taking the abuse while you take the privileges,” Tinubu concluded, reinforcing the idea that both the federal and state governments must work together for a unified vision of national progress.