President Bola Tinubu has urged state governors to prioritise the construction of road networks over flyovers in areas with low traffic, saying improved federal allocations should be invested in projects that directly enhance the quality of life and strengthen security across the country.
The President made the call 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. The monarchs visited to congratulate him on the successful rescue of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area after spending 56 days in captivity.
Addressing members of the delegation, including former governors, Tinubu said states were now receiving significantly higher allocations from the Federation Account than in previous years.
“The cost of governance is high, but the money going to the states has increased substantially. They are receiving four to five times what they used to get. Nobody is borrowing to pay salaries anymore, and pensioners are being paid,” he said.
He urged governors to channel the increased revenue into critical infrastructure that would benefit citizens and improve security operations.
“They should do more instead of building flyovers where there is no significant traffic. Build roads and arterial networks that will improve the quality of life and enable security agencies to access remote areas more effectively,” the President stated.
Tinubu also revealed that the terrorists who abducted the Oriire schoolchildren and teachers demanded the release of detained members of their gang in addition to ransom payments, but the Federal Government rejected the conditions.
According to him, his administration remains committed to a policy of refusing to negotiate with terrorists or pay ransom for the release of abducted victims.
“We said no deal. We are not going to negotiate with criminals. They committed murder and wanted us to release members of their criminal gangs who were already in detention. We refused,” he said.
The President disclosed that the Oriire abduction prompted his directive to expand the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions, a move aimed at improving troop deployment, reducing response time, and strengthening the fight against terrorism and banditry nationwide.
Tinubu commended the armed forces and other security agencies for the successful rescue operation, describing their performance as commendable.
“I agree that we should commend the men and women of the armed forces for their excellent performance. On their behalf, I accept your message and will convey your appreciation to them,” he added.
