Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has assured that under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, no state governor or local government chairman can claim insufficient funds. He highlighted the significant increase in federal allocations to subnational governments, aimed at boosting development across Nigeria.
Sanwo-Olu made the remarks on Tuesday at a public lecture organised by the Arewa Think Tank (ATT) in Kaduna, marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary. The event, themed “65th Year of Nigeria’s Independence: The Journey So Far with the Renewed Hope Agenda in View,” gathered political leaders, academics, youth groups, and stakeholders to evaluate the nation’s progress under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
In his keynote speech, Sanwo-Olu praised Nigerians’ resilience amid years of challenges and credited President Tinubu’s fiscal reforms for improving the financial position of states and local governments.
“Today, any governor or local government chairman will tell you how much revenue has increased under President Tinubu. There’s more money available to deliver benefits to Nigerians,” he said.
The governor explained that the financial improvements resulted from deliberate policy reforms designed to strengthen federalism and empower states and local councils. Between 2023 and 2024, allocations to states rose by around 62 percent, while local governments saw a 47 percent increase. He also applauded tax reforms that lowered the Federal Government’s VAT share from 15 percent to 10 percent, allowing states to receive 55 percent and local governments 35 percent.
“This is a bold move by the President to bring governance closer to the people,” Sanwo-Olu added.
He also praised Tinubu’s push for local government financial autonomy, noting the Supreme Court’s recent ruling that reinforced local councils’ independence.
Looking ahead, Sanwo-Olu revealed that President Tinubu plans to restructure Nigeria’s security system by establishing state police—a reform he described as “long overdue and essential.”
Quoting the President’s recent comments to leaders in Katsina, the governor said, “We are reviewing security in all aspects. State Police is coming. We will defeat insecurity.”
Sanwo-Olu described the Renewed Hope Agenda as a framework to unite Nigeria’s regions through equity, reform, and inclusive growth.
“President Tinubu is a seasoned unifier and bridge-builder. His agenda connects Nigeria through reform, prosperity, and unity,” he stated.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s founding fathers, especially the late Sir Ahmadu Bello, Sanwo-Olu stressed the importance of sustainable, homegrown development.
“The Sardauna’s words remain relevant. We must build on their legacy, planting trees for future generations even if we won’t sit under their shade,” he said.
He reaffirmed Lagos State’s readiness to collaborate with the Federal Government to advance the Renewed Hope Agenda, concluding:
“The road ahead is challenging, but united in purpose, we will succeed.”
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