President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged Nigeria’s state governors to stop constructing flyovers in areas without significant traffic and instead invest in roads, security infrastructure and projects that directly improve the lives of citizens.
President Tinubu made the remarks on Thursday while receiving traditional rulers from Oyo State, led by Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, at the State House in Abuja.
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Addressing the monarch, who previously served as governor of Oyo State between 2003 and 2007, President Tinubu said state governments now receive significantly higher federal allocations than during their time in office and should channel the increased resources into impactful development.
“You have governed before as a governor. You need to help us communicate to these governors,” President Tinubu said.
“Today, the economy of operation is high. But the money that I’m pushing to the states, if you had had it during your own time or during my time, it would have been different.
“They are taking four to five times their money. Nobody is borrowing money to pay salaries now. Pensioners are receiving their pay.”
President Tinubu added that governors should focus on projects that enhance accessibility and strengthen security rather than building infrastructure with limited public value.
“They should do more instead of building flyovers where there is no numeric traffic; build roads and artery networks to really enhance the quality of life and the accessibility of the security agencies to penetrate those areas,” the President said.
The remarks come as the Federal Government continues to emphasise infrastructure and security as key priorities under the administration’s development agenda.
Since the removal of fuel subsidy and changes to revenue distribution, monthly allocations to states have increased substantially, giving governors greater fiscal capacity to fund development projects.
President Tinubu also said the Federal Government was taking further steps to improve security across the country, including advancing plans for state police.
The President called on traditional rulers to deepen their collaboration with security agencies, describing them as critical partners in addressing insecurity at the grassroots.
President Tinubu added that the Federal Government was strengthening the capacity of forest guards to tackle criminal activities, particularly in remote communities where armed groups often operate.
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The meeting with the Oyo traditional rulers formed part of ongoing engagements between the Presidency and key stakeholders on governance, security and national development.
Mariam Balogun is a contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
