Reasons governors take 65% of federal allocations – Tinubu

NIGERIA- President Bola Tinubu, on Wednesday emphasised the critical role of state governors in driving Nigeria’s development and prosperity, saying that this accounts for why 65% of federation accounts go to states.

Speaking during a new year homage by Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) at his Ikoyi residence, the President described thire leadership at the subnational level as “central to achieving food security, economic prosperity and rapid national growth”.

This is just as the President expressed his gratitude to the Governors for their support and collaboration while highlighting key areas requiring joint effort for the nation’s progress.

“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,” he said.

The President also called for a stronger collaboration between the federal and state governments to address pressing challenges, including local government autonomy, agricultural productivity, and currency stability.

Expressing his commitment to local government development and autonomy, the President stressed its importance for grassroots development and dispelled rumours of disagreement with the governors.

“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.”

President Tinubu urged 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’m pleased that I sought this position, and I appreciate the mandate given to me by Nigerians. We will embark on this journey together. I express my gratitude to all of you for our current status and our future direction,” he stated.

The President revealed plans to visit Enugu State on January 4 as part of his scheduled tours to several states across the federation.

“The policies are yielding results. In agriculture, I visited Jigawa. The issue in Jigawa was that there was an abundant harvest, but due to the strength of our currency, traders exported the produce,” said Abdulrahman Abdulrazak, chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum and Governor of Kwara State during the visit.

“Therefore, many of us are encouraging one another to stockpile surplus produce in our silos for future needs. In terms of agriculture, the policy is effective. We will continue to enhance that and ensure we achieve 100% food security to feed all of West Africa,” he added.

The governor urged the President to tour various states to witness the ongoing changes and advancements firsthand.

He assured the President of the steadfast support of the governors, particularly in contributing to local security architecture to further enhance the nation’s security.

“I must confess that I have not done two years in this administration, but I’ve done more projects in two years than in the four years of my first term”, Governor Abdulrazaq said.

“We are getting more funding due to the restructuring of the economy. Yes, there is inflation, but we are overriding it,” the governor said.