President Bola Tinubu has called on Nigeria’s state governors to play a pivotal role in the nation’s economic recovery and prosperity. Speaking at a New Year homage in Ikoyi, Lagos, Tinubu highlighted the importance of subnational leadership in achieving national growth. He emphasized that food security, economic stability, and rapid development are in the hands of the governors, urging them to take charge of their states’ agricultural potential and local government autonomy.
You are the most important link to Nigeria’s prosperity and development,” Tinubu told the delegation led by Vice President Kashim Shettima and members of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF). He reminded them that while the Federal Government controls a fraction of the country’s allocated revenue, it is the state governments that manage the majority, especially in sectors like agriculture.
The President also stressed the need for stronger collaboration between the federal and state governments, particularly in addressing challenges like local government autonomy, agricultural productivity, and currency stabilization. We will not fight within us. I will drive the change, but we need to work together. Let’s do it together and ensure Nigeria is better off for it, he said, dismissing rumors of conflicts over local government issues.
Acknowledging the strides made by state governments in various development areas, Tinubu encouraged governors to continue working diligently to restore hope at the grassroots level. He assured them that the Federal Government remains committed to facilitating development and economic growth, noting that the country’s prosperity depends on consistent, collective effort.
The President also looked ahead with optimism, reflecting on his leadership over the past 19 months. Nigeria will see prosperity, but it requires consistent effort from all of us, he stated. He announced plans to visit Enugu State on January 4 as part of his ongoing efforts to engage directly with local leaders and assess progress in different regions.
Vice President Shettima, in his remarks, assured Nigerians that the benefits of the Tinubu administration’s policies would soon be felt. He highlighted the government’s close collaboration with the National Assembly to address national challenges and reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to economic revitalization. Shettima expressed confidence that 2025 would usher in substantial economic improvements and growth, emphasizing Nigeria’s resilience in overcoming global economic challenges, including the fallout from the Ukraine crisis.
Meanwhile, the Governor of Kwara State and NGF Chairman, Abdulrahman Abdulrazak, applauded Tinubu’s leadership, noting that the administration’s policies in agriculture were already yielding positive results. He cited the example of Jigawa State, where a bumper harvest had led to exports due to the strong currency, but urged further efforts to ensure food security and economic sustainability for the country.
Abdulrazak also reiterated the governors’ unwavering support for the President, particularly in strengthening local security structures to further enhance the nation’s stability. “The policies are working. We are getting more funding, and despite inflation, we are pushing forward,” he concluded.
As Nigeria heads into 2025, President Tinubu’s message is clear: unity, collaboration, and dedication at all levels of government are key to overcoming the nation’s challenges and building a prosperous future. The road ahead may be demanding, but with a shared commitment to growth, Nigeria’s future looks brighter.