President Bola Tinubu has called for stronger collaboration between the federal and state governments to address pressing challenges, including local government autonomy, agricultural productivity and currency stability.
Tinubu who made this known on Wednesday while addressing state governors who paid him a New Year homage led by Vice President Kashim Shettima and members of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), refuted speculations making the rounds that he is at war with state governors over his push for local government autonomy.
While expressing his commitment to local government development and autonomy, the president stressed its importance for grassroots development and dispelled rumours of any disagreement with the state governors.
Tinubu emphasised the critical role of state governors in driving Nigeria’s development and prosperity, saying their leadership at the sub-national level is central to achieving food security, economic prosperity and rapid national growth.
He said: “You are the most important link to Nigeria’s prosperity and development. The federal government accounts for about 30 to 35 percent 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.
“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.
“There were gossips that we had disagreements on local government autonomy. No. 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.”
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Tinubu urged state governors to prioritise agricultural growth as a pathway to economic stability.
“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 also urged the governors to take pride in their efforts and acknowledged their progress across the states.
“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,” he said.
Reflecting on his leadership journey in the last 19 months, the president expressed confidence in Nigeria’s capacity to thrive given the resilience and leadership demonstrated by the administration.
“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 said.
