President Bola Tinubu has reiterated the pivotal role state governors play in Nigeria’s development, justifying the allocation of 65% of the federal account to state governments. Speaking at his Ikoyi residence in Lagos during a New Year’s visit by members of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), the President underscored the governors’ centrality to achieving national progress.
“The Federal Government accounts for only 30 to 35 percent of the allocated revenue,” Tinubu remarked. “The rest comes to you. You are the most important link to Nigeria’s prosperity and development.”
He emphasized that governors control vital resources like land, which is essential for agricultural productivity, and urged them to take greater responsibility in driving grassroots development.
Dispelling rumours of discord over local government autonomy, President Tinubu called for a unified approach to governance.
“There were gossips that we had disagreements on local government autonomy. No,” he clarified. “You control your local governments. Nobody wants to take them away from you. But we need collaboration. Let’s do it together and ensure Nigeria is better off for it.”
The President pledged his administration’s commitment to empowering local governments, which he described as the bedrock of grassroots development. He urged governors to focus on delivering the services expected of them by their constituents.
“We will not fight within us. I will drive the change,” Tinubu said, adding, “You can restore hope by effectively fulfilling what the people expect at the grassroots level.”
Tinubu stressed the importance of agricultural growth as a pathway to economic stability. He challenged governors to prioritize policies that would ensure food security and stabilize the nation’s currency.
“We have to work harder, grow more, and ensure the situation of our currency improves,” Tinubu said. “Nigeria will see prosperity, but it requires consistent effort from all of us.”
The President also highlighted the successes achieved so far, noting that agricultural policies were yielding results in states like Jigawa, where bumper harvests were recorded.
Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum, Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara State, expressed the forum’s unwavering support for the Tinubu administration.
“Mr. President, your policies are working,” Abdulrazaq stated, citing agricultural progress as evidence. “In Jigawa, there was a bumper harvest. Traders exported the harvest due to the strength of our currency. We are now encouraging ourselves to store bumper stocks in silos for the rainy day.”
He called on the President to tour states across the country to witness firsthand the ongoing transformations under his leadership.
“We are getting more funding due to the restructuring of the economy. Yes, there is inflation, but we are overriding it,” the governor assured.
President Tinubu acknowledged the governors’ efforts, noting that many states are witnessing remarkable progress.
“There is no state we cannot visit and be proud of its development,” Tinubu said. “We have better allocations now. Let me take the abuse; you take the privileges. Together, we will build a nation we are all proud of.”
Reflecting on his presidency, Tinubu expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future. “I am glad I asked for this job, and Nigerians gave me the mandate. We’ll be on this voyage together,” he declared.
The President announced his intention to visit Enugu State on January 4 as part of a broader initiative to assess progress and engage stakeholders across the country.
In addition to agriculture and economic growth, local security was a key topic during the meeting. Governor Abdulrazaq emphasized the governors’ commitment to improving security at the state level.
“We are contributing to the local security architecture to further enhance the nation’s security,” he said.
The President, in turn, encouraged governors to continue collaborating with the federal government to address the nation’s pressing challenges.
President Tinubu’s remarks highlight a governance philosophy rooted in partnership and shared responsibility. By empowering state governors and urging collaboration across all tiers of government, Tinubu envisions a Nigeria where development is driven from the grassroots.
“We’ll continue to deepen policies that ensure food security and feed the whole of West Africa,” Tinubu said. “Together, we will build a nation that we are all proud of.”
