Kehinde Fajobi
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has denied reports of discord with state governors over his administration’s push for local government autonomy.
Speaking during a New Year homage led by Vice President Kashim Shettima and the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) on Monday, Tinubu underscored the importance of collaboration between federal and state governments to achieve national development goals.
“You are the most important link to Nigeria’s prosperity and development. The federal government accounts for about 30 to 35 per cent of the 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.
He clarified rumours of disagreements over local government autonomy, stressing that cooperation, not conflict, is key to grassroots development.
“We will not fight within us. I will drive the change. You control your local governments. Let’s do it together and ensure Nigeria is better off for it,” he said.
The president also urged governors to prioritise agricultural growth to bolster the economy and improve the nation’s currency.
“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,” Tinubu added.
Reflecting on the administration’s progress in the past 19 months, Tinubu said, “I am glad I asked for this job, and Nigerians gave me the mandate. We’ll be on this voyage together.”
Chairman of the NGF and Governor of Kwara State, Abdulrahman Abdulrazak, praised Tinubu’s policies, particularly in agriculture.
He noted that a bumper harvest in Jigawa State led to increased exports, encouraging states to stockpile reserves for food security.
“The policies are working. In terms of agriculture, the policy is working. We’ll continue to deepen that and ensure we are 100% sustained in food security and feed the whole of West Africa,” Abdulrazak said.
He invited the president to visit states to witness ongoing projects and pledged the governors’ continued support in enhancing security and economic growth.
Tinubu also announced plans to visit Enugu State on January 4 as part of a series of state tours.