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President Bola Tinubu has urged state governors to stop investing in flyovers in areas with little traffic and instead channel increased federal allocations into road networks that will improve economic activities, enhance living standards and strengthen security operations across the country.
The President said states now receive four to five times more revenue from the Federation Account than in previous years and should use the resources to deliver projects that directly benefit citizens rather than embark on unnecessary infrastructure.
Tinubu spoke on Thursday while receiving a delegation of traditional rulers from Oyo State led by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, who visited the Presidential Villa to congratulate him on the successful rescue of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area after spending 56 days in captivity.
Addressing the delegation, Tinubu noted that improved federal allocations had eased the financial burden on states, adding that many no longer needed to borrow to pay salaries and pensions.
He advised governors to focus on constructing roads and expanding transport networks that would improve access to rural communities and enable security agencies to respond more effectively to threats.
Speaking on the Oriire abduction, the President disclosed that the kidnappers demanded the release of detained members of their criminal gang in addition to ransom payments, but the Federal Government rejected the conditions.
Tinubu reiterated that his administration would not negotiate with terrorists or pay ransom, stressing that yielding to such demands would only embolden criminal groups.
He revealed that the Federal Government had approved the expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions as part of efforts to strengthen security operations, reduce response time and improve the fight against terrorism and banditry.
The President praised the Armed Forces for the successful rescue mission, describing their performance as commendable and assuring them of the nation's appreciation.
Tinubu also announced plans to establish state police with safeguards against abuse, while assigning traditional rulers greater roles in community security.
He attributed the growing insecurity in parts of Nigeria to instability in neighbouring Sahel countries, including Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger Republic, noting that the situation had intensified cross-border security threats and reinforced the need to strengthen forest guards and other local security structures.
