- Expresses commitment to LG development, autonomy
- ‘Just drive development at the local government, nobody wants to take them away from you’
- President commends NASS for support
President Bola Tinubu, on Wednesday in Lagos, emphasised the critical role of state governors in driving Nigeria’s development and prosperity, saying their leadership at the subnational level is central to achieving food security, economic prosperity and rapid national growth.
During the New Year homage by Vice President Kashim Shettima and members of the Nigeria Governors Forum at his Ikoyi residence, the President expressed his gratitude 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.
President Tinubu called for 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 was gossip 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 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.
The President announced that he will be visiting Enugu State on January 4 as part of his planned visits to some states of the federation.
President Tinubu also welcomed his declaration by ThisDAY newspaper as Man Of The Year.
He commended the newspaper for recognising “what they considered a failure initially, but is now a success.”
The chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum and Governor of Kwara State, Abdulrahman Abdulrazak, described ThisDay’s decision to name President Tinubu Man of the Year as a significant endorsement of the administration’s policies.
He noted that the acknowledgement from a media outlet known for critical media coverage during the campaign reflects the tangible progress made under President Tinubu’s leadership.
“The policies are working. In agriculture, I was in Jigawa State. The complaint in Jigawa was that there was a bumper harvest, but because of the strength of our currency, traders exported the harvest.
“So, most of us are encouraging ourselves to buy bumper stocks into our silos, store them for the rainy day. So, 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,” he said.
The governor urged the President to visit various states to see the ongoing transformations and progress 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.
Also, President Tinubu said his administration is encouraged by the National Assembly’s support over the last 19 months and is determined to take Nigeria to the Promised Land.
The President spoke Wednesday while receiving Vice President Kashim Shettima, the leadership of the National Assembly, and former principal officers of the National Assembly at his Oyinkan Abayomi Drive residence in Ikoyi, Lagos.
“Nigerians are the heart of everything we are doing. We have come to serve. You have made my day by coming on this visit. Happy New Year. May God bless you and our country and give our nation more prosperity.
“The transformative journey we have embarked upon is for all of us. It is for our tomorrow. It is for the future generation. Your commitment will yield that fruit for the babies yet unborn.
“Your commitment to value addition and bringing about the spirit of can do and must do is for all of us together.
“It is for us to build a nation. We have confidence and competence. The enslavers want us to be anything but enslaved people, but we say no. We are determined, we are capable, and we are resolute, and we will be there. We will take Nigeria to that Promised Land with you,” President Tinubu said at the meeting.
Acknowledging the encouragement from the lawmakers, the President pledged to work harder, embrace intellectual inquisitiveness, and make courageous decisions for national development.
“We have a saying in Yoruba that it is only a courageous dog that will capture the animal in the bush,” he added.
Senate President Akpabio commended the President for his courage and commitment to reform and assured him that the National Assembly is firmly behind his administration.
“On this journey of restoration, transformation and rebuilding the nation, you are not alone. The National Assembly is with you and will stand by you,” he said.
Akpabio highlighted the positive economic outlook under the Tinubu administration, citing achievements such as oversubscription of Nigeria’s Eurobond, improvements in ease of doing business, and growing foreign investor confidence.
“We salute our men in uniform and commend you for your bold reforms. Investors remain interested in Nigeria because of your leadership, and we will continue to smile as the benefits materialise,” he added.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas commended the President for his respect and support of the National Assembly.
He said many key figures in the administration, including the President, Vice President, Wife of the President, Chief of Staff to the President, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, and several ministers, were all former members of the National Assembly
”The National Assembly should consider itself lucky, and to God be the glory, Mr President, the National Assembly today is more united than ever.
”The National Assembly is more fulfilled than ever before because there is nothing we have ever knocked on your door to request for the National Assembly that you have not obliged.
”This is historic. This is commendable. We need to thank you for that. I also want to thank you for bringing more succour to the poor.
”Nigerians had more challenges at the beginning of 2023, but as the year ended, more food and prosperity started pouring in. We believe 2025 will be the ultimate year where every Nigerian will be proud of this administration, ” he said.