Governors crucial to Nigeria’s success, says President Tinubu
By Kunle Sanni
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has emphasized the vital role of state governors in driving Nigeria’s development, stating that their leadership at the subnational level is central to achieving food security, economic prosperity, and rapid national growth.
Speaking in Lagos during a New Year homage by Vice President Kashim Shettima and members of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) at his Ikoyi residence, the President expressed gratitude for their support and collaboration while identifying key areas for joint efforts to advance the nation.
“You are the most important link to Nigeria’s prosperity and development. The Federal Government accounts for about 30 to 35 percent of 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,” Tinubu said.
President Tinubu stressed the need for stronger collaboration between the federal and state governments to address pressing challenges, including local government autonomy, agricultural productivity, and currency stability.
He reaffirmed his commitment to local government development and autonomy, emphasizing its importance for grassroots progress. Dispelling rumors of discord with governors on the issue, he said:
“We will not fight within ourselves. 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.
“There were rumors that we had disagreements on local government autonomy. No. Just drive development at the local level.
“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.”
President Tinubu urged governors to prioritize agricultural development as a pathway to economic stability and prosperity.
“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.
He acknowledged progress made by states, commending the governors for their developmental strides.
“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 are all proud of,” Tinubu said.
Reflecting on his leadership journey, Tinubu expressed confidence in Nigeria’s resilience and the administration’s capacity to drive progress.
“I am glad I asked for this job, and Nigerians gave me the mandate. We’ll be on this voyage together. I thank all of you for where we are today and where we are heading,” he added.
President Tinubu announced plans to visit Enugu State on January 4 as part of a series of visits to states across the federation. He also welcomed his recognition as ThisDay Newspaper’s Man of the Year, describing it as a validation of his administration’s efforts.
“I commend ThisDay for recognizing what they initially considered a failure but now see as a success,” he noted.
Kwara State Governor and NGF Chairman, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, described the ThisDay recognition as a significant endorsement of Tinubu’s policies, highlighting tangible progress under his leadership.
“The policies are working. In agriculture, for instance, I was in Jigawa where farmers experienced a bumper harvest. However, due to the strength of our currency, traders exported much of the produce.
“Most of us are now encouraging the stocking of silos for future use. In agriculture, the policies are yielding results,” Abdulrazaq said.
The governor urged the President to visit states to witness ongoing transformations firsthand, while assuring him of the governors’ steadfast support.
“I must confess, I’ve achieved more in the past two years of this administration than in my entire first term. The economic restructuring is yielding better funding despite inflation,” Abdulrazaq concluded.
