President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to local government autonomy, dismissing rumors of a federal government takeover.
Speaking in Lagos on Wednesday during a New Year homage by the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) and Vice-President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu urged governors to lead agricultural reforms and strengthen local government operations for grassroots development.
“There were gossips that we had disagreements on local government autonomy. No,” Tinubu clarified. “Just drive development at the local government. 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.”
The president highlighted the role of state governors as key drivers of Nigeria’s prosperity, pointing out their control of the majority of allocated revenue.
“You own the land, and the job is in your hands,” Tinubu said, urging governors to focus on agricultural productivity to address food security and stimulate economic growth.
Tinubu assured the governors of his administration’s support and called for unified efforts to improve the nation’s economy and local governance.
“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,” he said.
The president also announced plans to visit Enugu State on January 4 to witness development projects and strengthen collaboration across the federation.
AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, NGF chairman and governor of Kwara State, praised Tinubu’s agricultural policies for boosting food production, highlighting challenges and successes in states like Jigawa.
“The policies are working. Most of us are encouraging ourselves to stockpile bumper harvests for the rainy day,” AbdulRazaq said, pledging the governors’ continued support for Tinubu’s vision.
The meeting underscored the importance of partnership between federal and state governments to address critical national issues and drive sustainable progress.