President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said Nigeria’s long-standing development challenges are largely the result of past governments failing to adopt proper long-term planning, especially in how major infrastructure projects are financed.
While receiving a delegation of stakeholders from Enugu State led by Governor Peter Mbah at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Tinubu explained that Nigeria has often struggled because it tried to fund long-term projects with short-term financial strategies, a mismatch he said has slowed national progress.
According to him, the country has not consistently embraced a structured long-range development plan capable of supporting sustainable growth and transformation.
He expressed confidence, however, that Nigeria is now moving in a better direction, pointing to improved cooperation between federal and state governments and more visionary leadership at subnational levels.
The President praised Governor Mbah for what he described as impactful leadership in Enugu State, highlighting progress in infrastructure, security, healthcare, and education as clear signs that ongoing reforms are producing results.
Tinubu also assured that the federal government would continue working with states to deliver key infrastructure projects, including the Port Harcourt–Enugu rail line, power sector improvements, and other national development initiatives.
He stressed the need for stronger collaboration across federal, state, and local governments, urging governors to ensure development efforts reach the grassroots level for wider impact.
The President further welcomed the delegation’s expression of political support, saying it reflected growing confidence in his administration’s direction and reforms. He maintained that despite criticism and opposition, his government would remain focused on delivering its promises to Nigerians.
Earlier in his remarks, Governor Mbah thanked the federal government for its interventions in Enugu State and reaffirmed support for the Tinubu administration.
He listed several ongoing federal projects benefiting the state, including the concession of Akanu Ibiam International Airport, the South East Development Commission, and major road and rail developments.
Mbah noted significant progress on key routes such as the Enugu–Port Harcourt expressway and the Enugu–Onitsha road, adding that improved infrastructure was boosting economic activity across the region. He also highlighted plans for the completion of the Port Harcourt–Enugu rail line and the extension of gas pipelines to Enugu.
According to him, security conditions in the state have improved, while investments in education, healthcare, agriculture, and road construction have expanded rapidly. He added that increased internally generated revenue has enabled the state to fund large-scale development projects.
He attributed these gains to alignment between federal reforms and state-level execution, and reaffirmed Enugu State’s continued support for the President, including ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The delegation included several prominent political, traditional, and religious figures from the South-East region.
