President Bola Tinubu has called on state governments to prioritise the needs of local communities by ensuring accountability and effectiveness in the administration of local governments.
He made these remarks on Thursday during a meeting with the leadership of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
In his address, President Tinubu emphasised the importance of local governance in a constitutional democracy.
He appealed to the governors to be more sympathetic and responsive to the needs of local communities, stressing that residents live, work, and farm in these areas.
He questioned the effectiveness of the 774 local government areas in delivering services and coordinating development programmes with state and federal governments.
“We are running a constitutional democracy. I will appeal to you to summon the governors. I am doing my very best to enhance the revenue base of the country.
He raised concerns about the accountability of local governments and suggested that their performance might need recalibration to meet current challenges.
“Who is being held accountable for the performance of the 774 local governments? Maybe we should look at recalibrating. What was good four years ago may not be good today.
“When we want the votes, we go to the locals; when we get the votes, we move to and focus on Abuja,” he added.
Addressing Educational Challenges and Security Issues
President Tinubu highlighted the unacceptable situation of out-of-school children in parts of Nigeria, stressing the critical role of education in combating poverty and building the nation’s future.
“The question of out-of-school children is unacceptable. Education is a tool against poverty, and that is what brought many of us here. We must use our education to serve the people and improve their conditions,” he asserted.
He commended the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for his efforts in improving national security and promised increased investment in technology to ensure the safety of Nigerian citizens.
“Everybody wants to be secure, and we need to invest more in technology. We will do it, I promise you. We will put our heart and souls into ensuring that Nigeria is secure and its citizens are protected,” the President said.
Economic Development and Livestock Management
President Tinubu also addressed economic development and livestock management, identifying animal husbandry as a significant opportunity for economic growth.
He urged the governors to allocate more land for dairy farms and encouraged collaboration with herders to boost the sector.
“Animal husbandry has been a huge problem for Nigeria. Dairy farms can grow our economy significantly. Talk to the governors and tell them to make more land available. Talk to herders to collaborate with the states,” he stated.
Appeal for National Unity and Continued Support
In closing, President Tinubu appealed for national unity and continued support for his government in addressing the long-standing challenges facing the country.
He highlighted the strengths found in Nigeria’s diversity and population, emphasising his commitment to making necessary changes within his cabinet to better serve Nigerians.
“As long as we are together, and we have to be together, there is strength in our diversity. Our strength and opportunity are built into our population.
“I thank the cabinet members for their efforts, but I will relieve any of them of their duties anytime I feel that they are failing Nigerians,” President Tinubu affirmed.
