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State Governors Won’t Interfere In Local Government Autonomy – Tinubu

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3 days ago

Jan 1, 2025.

Tinubu assures governors of collaboration on local government autonomy and development.
President highlights importance of food security, economic stability, and agricultural growth.
Governors pledge support, emphasizing ongoing progress in security and infrastructure projects.

President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday clarified that his administration is not in conflict with state governors over local government autonomy.

Speaking at his Ikoyi residence in Lagos, the President emphasized the need for collaboration, urging governors to play an active role in grassroots development.

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“There were gossips that we had disagreements on local government autonomy. No. Nobody wants to take them away from you, but we need collaboration,” Tinubu stated during a New Year homage from Vice President Kashim Shettima and members of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF).

EKO HOT BLOG reports that this follows a landmark Supreme Court judgment in July 2024 affirming the fiscal autonomy of local governments, ruling that funds allocated to local governments must go directly to them without interference from state governments.

Tinubu noted that ineffective local government administration has historically hindered Nigeria’s advancement and reiterated his commitment to strengthening grassroots governance.

The President called on governors to leverage their leadership to drive progress in key areas such as food security, economic prosperity, and local government transformation.

Highlighting the critical role of state executives, Tinubu explained, “You are the most important link to Nigeria’s prosperity and development. The agricultural value chain depends on you. You own the land, and the job is in your hands.”

He also emphasized the importance of addressing currency stability and boosting agricultural productivity as pathways to economic recovery. “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.

Tinubu reflected on his administration’s achievements over the past 19 months, expressing optimism about Nigeria’s future.

“I am glad I asked for this job, and Nigerians gave me the mandate. We’ll be on this voyage together,” he stated, announcing plans to visit Enugu State on January 4 as part of his nationwide tour.

The President welcomed his recognition by ThisDay newspaper as Man of the Year, describing it as a testament to the administration’s progress. NGF Chairman Abdulrahman Abdulrazak commended Tinubu’s leadership, noting successes in agriculture and economic restructuring.

“The policies are working. We are encouraging ourselves to store bumper stocks for food security,” he remarked.

Local Government Autonomy Tinubu

The governors pledged their continued support, highlighting ongoing projects and improvements in local security architecture. Tinubu affirmed his commitment to building a prosperous nation, urging collaboration between federal and state governments for sustainable development.