Tinubu Urges Nigerians to Hold Govs Accountable for State Underdevelopment

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday criticized state governors for insufficient efforts in grassroots development and urged traditional rulers to hold them accountable.

During a meeting with the leadership of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Tinubu emphasized the need for state governments to prioritize local community needs by ensuring accountability and effective local government administration.

Expressing disappointment over the deployment of state resources, Tinubu met with Arewa leaders amid growing insecurity, high rates of out-of-school children, and economic challenges, especially at the local government level.

Since the withdrawal of the fuel subsidy in May 2023, allocations through the Federal Account Allocation Committee have increased by up to 69%. In October 2023, states shared over N900 billion, an increase of over N120 billion from the August allocation.

Under the current revenue-sharing formula, the Federal Government receives 52.68%, states 26.72%, and local governments 20.60%. The 2024 approved budget allocates over N5 trillion to states, up from N3.3 trillion in 2023.

“We are running a constitutional democracy. I appeal to you to summon the governors. I am doing my best to enhance the country’s revenue base. They must be sympathetic and urgently consider local needs,” Tinubu stated.

“People reside in local communities where they work, farm, and live. If local governments are not effective in delivering services, we must address this. Are the 774 local governments truly effective? Do they solve problems for Nigerians? Do they coordinate development with state and federal governments?”

Highlighting the importance of education, Tinubu described the situation of out-of-school children in Nigeria as unacceptable. The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund recently reported around 20 million out-of-school children in Nigeria, more than the population of about ten African countries.

“The issue of out-of-school children is unacceptable. Education is a tool against poverty. We must use our education to serve the people and improve their conditions. We must develop the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, the education system. We will collaborate intensively on this,” the President said.

On security, Tinubu praised National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu’s efforts: “Everybody wants to be secure, and we need to invest more in technology. We will ensure Nigeria is secure and its citizens protected.”

Tinubu also emphasized infrastructure projects like the AKK project, the dredging of the River Niger, and improving port access to enhance national prosperity and security.

Appealing for national unity and continued support, Tinubu assured that his government is committed to solving long-standing challenges.

Bashir Dalhatu, leader of the delegation and Chairman of the ACF Board of Trustees, congratulated Tinubu on his first year in office and expressed the Forum’s appreciation for his achievements and service.

Dalhatu highlighted the strong trust Northern Nigeria has in Tinubu, citing his support and collaboration with Northerners in elections and his achievements in prioritizing agriculture and education funding, and maintaining good relations with Nigeria’s neighbors.

The ACF commended Tinubu for prioritizing the Sokoto-Badagry Highway, the Trans-Saharan highway, and fast-tracking the Ajaokuta Steel Complex completion.

“These developments motivate us and give us confidence that Your Excellency will strive harder to alleviate the economic and social pains in Northern Nigeria,” Dalhatu said.