President Bola Tinubu, during a New Year meeting with state governors, emphasised the need for collaboration on the controversial issue of local government autonomy. The President clarified that there was no dispute with the governors over the matter but called for joint efforts to drive grassroots development. He assured the governors that the Federal Government would not interfere with local governments but stressed the importance of working together for the betterment of Nigeria.
The meeting, attended by key governors, including those from Kano, Lagos, Rivers, and Borno, also saw discussions on crucial national issues. Tinubu acknowledged the critical role governors play in Nigeria’s development, particularly in agriculture, economic growth, and food security. He reminded them of the need for strong federal-state cooperation to tackle pressing challenges and achieve national prosperity.
Referring to the recent Supreme Court ruling affirming local government autonomy, Tinubu reiterated his commitment to improving local governance. He emphasised that effective local governments are vital for the nation’s progress and assured governors that their role in overseeing local governments remained intact. The President also highlighted that collaboration was key to overcoming challenges and ensuring the success of governance at all levels.
The discussion also touched on the economic restructuring, with Tinubu acknowledging the efforts of the governors in implementing development projects across states. He expressed his confidence in Nigeria’s potential, commending the governors for their leadership and the progress made so far, despite the economic challenges. Tinubu urged the governors to continue their focus on agricultural development and currency stability, which are vital for Nigeria’s economic recovery.
