Tinubu underscores governors’ pivotal role in driving food security, economic growth, and grassroots development during a New Year homage in Lagos.
President Bola Tinubu has emphasised the vital role of state governors in achieving Nigeria’s developmental goals, particularly in food security, grassroots development, and economic growth.
Speaking in Lagos during a New Year homage by Vice President Kashim Shettima and members of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), the President called for enhanced collaboration between federal and state governments to address pressing national challenges.
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“You are the most important link to Nigeria’s prosperity and development,” Tinubu stated, highlighting the governors’ control over 65-70% of allocated revenue.
“The agricultural value chain depends on you. You own the land, and the job is in your hands.”
The President urged governors to champion agricultural productivity, improve local government operations, and foster economic stability.
He dispelled rumours of tension regarding local government autonomy, advocating instead for collaborative solutions to bolster grassroots development.
President Tinubu stressed agriculture as a key driver of economic stability, urging state governors to work towards increasing food production and ensuring better currency conditions.
“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.
The President also lauded the progress made in various states and encouraged governors to take pride in their achievements.
“There is no state we cannot visit and be proud of its development,” Tinubu added.
Tinubu welcomed his recognition by ThisDay newspaper as Man of the Year, seeing it as an endorsement of his administration’s policies.
Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, NGF Chairman and Governor of Kwara State, praised the administration’s progress, particularly in agriculture.
“The policies are working. In Jigawa, for example, there was a bumper harvest, but traders exported much of it due to the strength of our currency,” Governor Abdulrazaq said.
He added that efforts are being made to store surplus stocks and ensure food security.
The governors pledged their commitment to bolstering local security and continuing state-level transformations.
Governor Abdulrazaq noted that economic restructuring under Tinubu’s leadership has enabled governors to implement more projects and tackle inflation effectively.
President Tinubu, reflecting on his leadership journey, expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future.
He announced plans to visit Enugu State on 4th January as part of a broader initiative to oversee developmental progress across the nation.
“We’ll be on this voyage together,” Tinubu assured. “I thank all of you for where we are today and where we are heading.”
