President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has refuted claims of discord between his administration and state governors regarding the push for local government autonomy across Nigeria.
The president addressed the speculations during a New Year homage paid to him by state governors, led by Vice President Kashim Shettima and members of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF).
In his remarks, Tinubu emphasized the crucial role of state governors in driving Nigeria’s development and prosperity. He highlighted their leadership at the subnational level as key to achieving economic growth, food security, and national development.
“You are the most important link to Nigeria’s prosperity and development. The federal government accounts for about 30 to 35 percent of the allocated revenue; the rest comes to you.”
READ ALSO: FG Inaugurates Committee To Enforce LG Autonomy
“The agricultural value chain depends on you. You own the land, and the job is in your hands,” Tinubu stated.
The issue of local government autonomy gained momentum in July 2024 when the Supreme Court delivered a landmark judgment affirming financial independence for the country’s 774 local government areas.
While many governors conducted local government elections shortly after the ruling, their reluctance to fully embrace the change has been evident.
President Tinubu dispelled rumors of a rift, reiterating his administration’s commitment to grassroots development through local government autonomy.
He called for stronger collaboration between the federal and state governments to address pressing challenges, including agricultural productivity and currency stability.
READ ALSO: Verdict On LG Autonomy Relieves Burden On Us – Governors
“We will not fight within us. I will drive the change. You control your local governments. You can restore hope by effectively fulfilling what the people expect at the grassroots level,” Tinubu said.
“There were gossips that we had disagreements on local government autonomy. No. Just drive development at the local government. Nobody wants to take them away from you, but we need collaboration.”
The president urged governors to prioritize agricultural development as a pathway to economic stability and prosperity. He acknowledged the progress made across various states and encouraged governors to take pride in their achievements.
“We have to work harder, grow more, and ensure the situation of our currency improves. Nigeria will see prosperity, but it requires consistent effort from all of us,” he said.
READ ALSO: Peter Obi Addresses Merger With PDP, NNPP Ahead Of 2027
Tinubu also announced plans to visit Enugu State on January 4 as part of his tour to assess progress in various states. He expressed confidence in Nigeria’s capacity to thrive under the current administration’s policies.
Abdulrahman Abdulrazak, Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum and Governor of Kwara State, praised the administration’s policies, particularly in agriculture.
He cited Jigawa State’s bumper harvest as evidence of progress, noting that stronger currency values had encouraged exports and necessitated stockpiling for future needs.
“The policies are working. In agriculture, I was in Jigawa. The complaint in Jigawa was that there was a bumper harvest, but because of the strength of our currency, traders exported the harvest.”
“Most of us are encouraging ourselves to buy bumper stocks into our silos for the rainy day,” Abdulrazak explained.
READ ALSO: Kano Government Breaks Silence On Tax Reform Bills
The governor also highlighted the improved funding resulting from economic restructuring, which has enabled states to undertake more development projects despite inflationary pressures.
“I must confess that I have not done two years in this administration, but I’ve done more projects in two years than in the four years of my first term. We are getting more funding due to the restructuring of the economy. Yes, there is inflation, but we are overriding it,” he said.
Abdulrazak assured the president of the governors’ steadfast support, particularly in enhancing local security to ensure the safety and prosperity of all Nigerians. He encouraged Tinubu to visit states to witness ongoing transformations firsthand.