Tinubu Questions Governors Over Spending on Flyovers, Urges Focus on Essential Infrastructure
President Bola Tinubu has criticised some state governors for prioritising the construction of flyovers over other critical infrastructure needs, despite the increase in federal allocations received by states under his administration.
Tinubu made the remarks on Thursday when he hosted a delegation of traditional rulers from Oyo State, led by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The President said some governors were spending huge amounts on flyover projects in locations with little traffic, instead of investing in road networks and infrastructure that would directly improve security, accessibility and the quality of life of residents.
“They are taking four to five times their money. Nobody is borrowing money to pay salaries now. Pensioners are receiving their pay, and they should do more instead of building flyovers where there is no numeric traffic to build roads and arteries that will enhance the quality of life and improve the accessibility of security agencies to those areas,” Tinubu said.
The President urged the traditional rulers to help communicate his concerns to governors, noting that states currently have more resources available compared to previous years.
“You need to help us communicate to these governors. Today, the cost of operation is high. But the money that I’m pushing to the states, if you had it during your own time or during my time, it would have been different,” he added.
Since the removal of the petrol subsidy in 2023, allocations from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) to states have increased significantly, leading to renewed discussions about how governments are using the additional revenue.
Tinubu Highlights Security Efforts
During the meeting, Tinubu also updated the traditional rulers on his administration’s security measures, highlighting recent operations against terrorism and banditry across the country.
He disclosed that the Nigerian Army had expanded from eight to 12 divisions to improve response time and strengthen military operations.
The President also said forest guards were being empowered to track criminal groups hiding in forest areas, explaining that their role would go beyond protecting wildlife.
Tinubu reiterated his administration’s position against paying ransom or negotiating with terrorists and kidnappers.
“We refused to pay ransom. These criminals wanted us to release members of their gangs already in detention. That was one of their conditions, aside from the money they were demanding. We said no deal,” he said.
He attributed some security challenges in Nigeria to instability in neighbouring Sahel countries, including Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger Republic.
The President further revealed plans to establish state police while putting measures in place to prevent abuse of the system.
Tinubu said his administration would continue engaging traditional rulers across the country to better understand local security challenges.
“The immediate challenge is monumental. It’s not an easy job, but I asked for it, and I got it,” he said.
He also commended security personnel for their efforts in restoring stability in Oyo State and encouraged traditional leaders to continue supporting security initiatives.
