Tinubu to Governors: Stop Wasting State Resources on Flyovers, Construct Roads
President Tinubu
By Arit Mbeh
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged Nigeria’s 36 state governors to stop spending public funds on unnecessary flyovers and instead invest in road networks that improve access to rural communities and strengthen security operations.
The President gave the charge on Thursday while receiving a delegation of traditional rulers from Oyo State, led by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Tinubu said state governments now receive significantly higher allocations from the Federation Account and should channel the funds into projects that have a direct impact on the lives of citizens.
Addressing the traditional rulers, particularly former Oyo State governor Oba Ladoja, Tinubu said, “You have governed before. You need to help us communicate to these governors.
“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,” the President said.
According to him, states are now receiving “four to five times” the allocations they previously received, adding that the improved revenue profile should translate into better infrastructure and improved welfare for Nigerians.
Tinubu noted that many states no longer have to borrow to pay workers’ salaries or pensions and should therefore focus on projects that promote economic development and public safety.
“They are taking four to five times their money. Nobody is borrowing money to pay salaries now. Pensioners are receiving their pay,” he said.
The President criticised the construction of flyovers in locations with little vehicular traffic, describing such projects as a poor use of public resources.
“Instead of flyovers where there’s no numeric traffic, build road networks and arteries to really enhance the quality of life and accessibility of the security agencies to penetrate those areas,” Tinubu said.
His remarks come amid growing calls for state governments to prioritise infrastructure projects that deliver broader economic and social benefits, particularly in rural communities where poor road access continues to hamper agricultural production, commerce and security operations.
