President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reassured state governors that his administration has no intention of taking over control or disrupting their relationship with local government councils. He dismissed rumors suggesting his push for local government autonomy was a strategy to exert federal control over the 774 councils nationwide.
This clarification followed the Supreme Court’s landmark July 2024 judgment, which affirmed financial autonomy for local governments.
Addressing state governors who paid him a New Year homage at the Presidential Villa on Wednesday, Tinubu emphasized their critical role in driving Nigeria’s prosperity and development. Vice President Kashim Shettima and members of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) accompanied the delegation.
“You are the most important link to Nigeria’s prosperity and development,” Tinubu said. “The federal government accounts for about 30 to 35 percent of 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.”
The president encouraged collaboration, reiterating his commitment to supporting local government development while leaving its control to the states.
“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,” he said.
Tinubu also highlighted the need for sustained efforts to boost the economy, ensure currency stability, and achieve prosperity.
Abdulrahman Abdulrazak, Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum and Governor of Kwara State, commended the administration’s agricultural policies. He cited Jigawa State’s bumper harvests and ongoing efforts to strengthen food security.
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Tinubu concluded by expressing confidence in Nigeria’s resilience and announced a planned visit to Enugu State on January 4.
