President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday emphasized the pivotal role of state governors in driving Nigeria's development and prosperity. Spe...
President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday emphasized the pivotal role of state governors in driving Nigeria's development and prosperity. Speaking at his Ikoyi residence in Lagos during a New Year homage by Vice President Kashim Shettima and members of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), the President underscored the importance of collaboration between the federal and state governments to achieve food security, economic stability, and rapid national growth.
“You are the most important link to Nigeria's prosperity and development,” President Tinubu said. “The Federal Government accounts for about 30 to 35 percent of the allocated revenue; the rest comes to you. The agricultural value chain depends on you. You own the land, and the job is in your hands.”
Call for Local Government Autonomy and Agricultural Productivity
The President highlighted the need for a joint effort to tackle pressing challenges, including local government autonomy, agricultural productivity, and currency stability. He reaffirmed his commitment to grassroots development and dispelled rumors of discord between his administration and the governors.
“We will not fight within ourselves. I will drive the change. You control your local governments and can restore hope by effectively meeting the people’s expectations at the grassroots level,” Tinubu said.
He clarified concerns about local government autonomy, urging governors to drive development in their jurisdictions.
“There were rumors of disagreements on local government autonomy. No. Just focus on driving development at the local level. Nobody wants to take them away from you, but we need collaboration. Let’s work together to ensure Nigeria is better off for it,” he stated.
Focus on Economic and Agricultural Growth
President Tinubu urged the governors to prioritize agricultural expansion as a path to economic stability, noting the importance of collective effort in addressing challenges like currency devaluation.
“We have to work harder, grow more, and ensure our currency situation improves. Nigeria will see prosperity, but it requires consistent effort from all of us,” he said.
The President praised the progress made by governors across the country and encouraged pride in their accomplishments.
“There is no state we cannot visit and be proud of its development. We have better allocations now. Let me take the abuse; you take the privileges. Together, we will build a nation we can all be proud of,” Tinubu remarked.
Reflection on Leadership and Future Plans
Reflecting on his tenure, President Tinubu expressed confidence in Nigeria’s resilience and leadership, saying, “I am glad I asked for this job, and Nigerians gave me the mandate. We are on this voyage together. I thank all of you for where we are today and where we are heading.”
He announced plans to visit Enugu State on January 4 as part of his nationwide tour to assess ongoing developments. Tinubu also acknowledged his recognition by ThisDay newspaper as “Man of the Year,” viewing it as an acknowledgment of the administration’s progress.
Governors’ Support and Achievements
Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum and Governor of Kwara State, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, described ThisDay’s decision as a testament to the administration’s impactful policies.
“The policies are working,” Abdulrazaq said. “In agriculture, for example, we’ve seen bumper harvests. Although traders exported much of the harvest due to currency strength, many of us are encouraging stockpiling in silos to prepare for future needs.”
He urged the President to visit states to witness firsthand the transformations occurring under his leadership and assured continued support from governors in enhancing local security and implementing economic reforms.
“In under two years, I have achieved more projects than in my first four-year term,” Abdulrazaq added. “We are getting more funding due to the restructuring of the economy. Yes, there is inflation, but we are overcoming it.”
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