By Adenike Lawal
President Bola Tinubu has urged Nigeria’s 36 state governors to prioritize grassroots development, emphasizing their critical role in achieving national goals like food security and economic growth.
During a meeting with the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), led by Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazak, at his Ikoyi residence on Wednesday, Tinubu clarified that financial autonomy for local governments does not diminish governors’ authority.
Instead, he called for collaborative efforts to drive impactful community development.
“We will not fight among ourselves. You have control over your local governments and can restore hope by meeting the expectations of your constituents,” Tinubu stated, according to presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga.
The President highlighted the importance of federal-state cooperation in addressing issues like agricultural productivity and economic stability.
“You are pivotal to Nigeria’s prosperity. The Federal Government contributes 30% to 35% of allocated revenue; the rest is managed at your level.
“The agricultural value chain relies on you since you control the land,” he said.
Governor Abdulrazak assured Tinubu of the governors’ commitment to his administration’s objectives, citing increased funding from economic restructuring and strides in project implementation despite inflation challenges.
