President Tinubu Advocates for Stronger Local Government

President Bola Tinubu has emphasized the necessity of an effective local government system for Nigeria’s development. During a meeting with the Yoruba Leaders of Thought at the State House on Friday, he highlighted that transformative governance must address the citizens’ critical needs through a reinforced federal structure.

“Effective local government administration is crucial for community development and the delivery of essential governance services,” President Tinubu remarked. He stressed that local governments are the closest tier to the people and play a vital role in ensuring that citizens’ needs are met efficiently and effectively. This call for a robust local government system underscores the administration’s commitment to decentralizing power and enhancing grassroots development.

Achievements and Challenges of the Administration

Reflecting on the past 12 months, President Tinubu described his administration’s journey as both fulfilling and challenging. “It has been challenging. It has been fulfilling as well. We took over, and we have stopped the bleeding,” he stated, acknowledging the initial difficulties his administration faced. However, he assured Nigerians that these challenges are being addressed head-on.

President Tinubu conveyed optimism about the country’s future, stating, “Nigeria is no longer bleeding. And it will not bleed to death, but rather will now move to prosperity.” This confidence stems from his administration’s efforts to stabilize the nation and set it on a path to economic recovery and growth. He also praised his team for their hard work and dedication, promising continued efforts to ensure all Nigerians benefit from good governance.

Commitment to Good Governance and Prosperity

President Tinubu reassured Nigerians that his administration is committed to ensuring value for every kobo spent, aiming to leave a legacy of prosperity for future generations. “We will get value for our money, and it is not for ourselves, but for our children,” he stated, emphasizing the long-term vision of his governance. President Tinubu’s administration aims to remove the burden of poor governance and expand access to quality public services.

The President Tinubu vision includes bequeathing a nation “full of pride and prosperity” to future generations, highlighting the administration’s dedication to transformative and sustainable development. This promise reflects his commitment to creating a prosperous Nigeria through prudent management of resources and ensuring that governance positively impacts all citizens.

President Tinubu Advocates for Strengthened Governance and Fiscal Federalism

President Tinubu underscored the importance of deepening governance and reinforcing leadership across all levels of government and institutions in Nigeria. He emphasized that his administration is dedicated to fostering fiscal federalism and enhancing the system to ensure greater inclusion and equity for all citizens.

“Healthcare upgradation is ongoing. Road rehabilitation and construction is ongoing. Education development is ongoing,” President Tinubu stated. He called on citizens to scrutinize the actions of their state governors, urging them to hold these officials accountable for their responsibilities and to prioritize the welfare of the people in their development plans. “Once there is synergy, then I can assure you that Nigeria will be one of the best nations that you will see anywhere on earth,” he added.

Local Government Autonomy and Community Development

President Tinubu also addressed the issue of local government administration, highlighting the current challenges faced by these bodies. He criticized any attempts to centralize core responsibilities under the federal government, arguing that such moves undermine the principles of federalism. “What I will not support is any effort to make the local government a unitary system by handing all core responsibilities to the federal government. That is criminal when there is a federal system,” he declared.

Emphasizing the need for flexibility and adaptation at the local government level, President Tinubu pointed to Nigeria’s growing population and expanding geographical needs as reasons to allow more autonomy for local governance. “We must grow and expand,” he said, advocating for a consistent approach to fiscal federalism and urging states to develop administrative processes that best serve their unique contexts. “Those are the things you should expect from me, not the knee-jerk reactions ahead of elections,” he concluded.