Tinubu warns governors: neglect citizens’ welfare at your peril

DDM News

(DDM) – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged Nigeria’s 36 state governors to prioritise citizens’ welfare by channeling more resources into future-focused projects.

DDM gathered that Tinubu made the appeal during the 150th meeting of the National Economic Council (NEC) at the State House Council Chambers in Abuja.

The president’s call came after a presentation by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, on the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme (RHWDP).

Tinubu said the current economic situation requires urgent collaboration between the federal and state governments to improve living standards, especially in rural areas.

“I want to appeal to you, let us change the story of our people in the rural areas,” Tinubu stated.

He noted that the economy is on the path to recovery but stressed that rural development is critical to sustaining growth.

The president urged governors to focus on agricultural mechanisation, rural electrification, poverty eradication, and improved investments in sectors that directly impact citizens’ lives.

Tinubu also highlighted the importance of tackling insecurity to create an enabling environment for rural transformation.

The NEC resolved to set up a committee to advance the completion of legacy projects such as the Lagos-Calabar and Sokoto-Badagry superhighways.

Since Tinubu assumed office in May 2023, several reforms have aimed at improving citizens’ welfare, including the removal of fuel subsidies.

While the removal led to higher living costs, it also freed up trillions of naira for investment in development projects.

FAAC allocations to states have increased significantly, with some states receiving up to triple their previous monthly allocations.

However, concerns remain over the utilisation of these funds by state governors.

Critics argue that some governors have failed to justify the increased revenue, with local government allocations still being diverted despite Supreme Court rulings granting autonomy.

The Central Bank of Nigeria has mandated local councils to submit two-year audit reports to qualify for direct FAAC allocations.

Analysts say this requirement is almost impossible under current political realities, as many councils remain under the firm control of state governors.

Tinubu’s RHWDP aims to deliver targeted interventions to Nigeria’s 8,809 administrative wards to drive grassroots economic growth.

The administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda projects that these initiatives could help Nigeria achieve a $1 trillion economy by 2030.

Tinubu emphasised that governors must align with federal priorities to ensure that the quantum of resources available translates into tangible improvements in people’s lives.

Failure to do so, he warned, risks undermining both state and federal development agendas.

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