President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fostering local government autonomy, dismissing rumors of a standoff with state governors on the contentious issue. Speaking during a New Year homage paid by Vice President Kashim Shettima and members of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) at his Ikoyi residence in Lagos, the President called for collaboration to drive grassroots development.
There were gossips that we had disagreements on local government autonomy. No. Nobody wants to take them away from you, but we need collaboration, Tinubu emphasized, addressing the governors present.
The delegation included Governors Abba Yusuf (Kano), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (Kwara), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers), and Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), among others. Tinubu urged them to prioritize effective governance at the local level, noting that the success of his administration’s agenda hinges on grassroots progress.
The President’s remarks follow a landmark Supreme Court ruling in July 2024, which upheld the fiscal autonomy of local governments, mandating direct allocations from the Federation Account without state interference. Tinubu highlighted the importance of this autonomy, emphasizing the role of local governments in addressing socio-political challenges at the community level.
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, calling for a united front between the federal and state governments to ensure Nigeria’s prosperity.
Tinubu underscored the governors’ central role in driving national development, noting their responsibility in areas such as agriculture, currency stability, and food security. He described their leadership as pivotal, given that the federal government accounts for only 30-35% of allocated revenue, while the bulk is managed at the state level.
You are the most important link to Nigeria’s prosperity and development. The agricultural value chain depends on you. You own the land, and the job is in your hands, Tinubu stated.
The President highlighted the need for strategic agricultural growth, urging the governors to invest in food security initiatives and adopt policies that stabilize the economy. He also acknowledged the tangible progress made under his administration, commending the governors for their contributions.
Reflecting on his tenure so far, Tinubu expressed gratitude for the support of Nigerians and confidence in the nation’s resilience. He announced plans to visit Enugu State on January 4, as part of his commitment to assessing developmental strides across the federation.
Tinubu also responded to being named Man of the Year by ThisDay newspaper, viewing it as an acknowledgment of his administration’s achievements. NGF Chairman AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq praised the recognition, noting the government’s impactful reforms, particularly in agriculture and economic restructuring.
As Nigeria embarks on another year, Tinubu urged the governors to remain steadfast in their commitment to collaboration, assuring them that their efforts would yield a nation of progress and pride.