President Bola Tinubu has said Nigeria can only overcome its present economic, social and food security challenges if there is a strong collaborative effort between the Federal and sub-national governments in the country.
Tinubu stressed the need for state governors to put aside political differences and partner with him to lift Nigerians out of their present economic doldrums.
These assertions were made when the Vice President of Nigeria, Kashim Shettima and members of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) paid a New Year homage to the President at his Ikoyi residence in Lagos State.
Emphasising the need for governors to prioritize food security, economic prosperity and rapid national growth at their different states, Tinubu noted that these critical sectors of the country are for state and local governments to handle.
While thanking state governors for their support and collaboration in the 19 months of his administration, President Tinubu said state governors are “important link to Nigeria’s prosperity and development.”
He reminded them how the Federal Government he is leading only accounts for about 30 to 35 percent of the allocated revenue while the remaining comes to the state governors.
He further highlighted that the agricultural value chain depends on governors because they own the land.
The President dismissed rumours that there was a disagreement between himself and state governors over autonomy granted to local government chairpersons, saying that the governors would have advanced national prosperity once they deliver good governance to people in grassroots areas.
Tinubu explained that his support for local government autonomy is not to take away the tier of government from the state governors, rather, it is for governors to drive development by collaborating with local administrators to prioritise agricultural growth which he said is a pathway to economic stability.
Addressing the governors, Tinubu said, “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 mentioned his plan of touring States across Nigeria with a view to solidifying the bond and assessing the developments across the sub-nationals.
Tinubu disclosed that his visits across the country would start with Enugu State on Saturday, January 4.
