Tinubu to Governors: Build Roads, Not Unnecessary Flyovers

The president said governors should channel the increased revenues into projects that directly improve transportation, security and access to communities.

President Bola Tinubu has urged state governors to prioritise road networks and other critical infrastructure over constructing flyovers in areas with little traffic, saying increased federal allocations should translate into tangible improvements in citizens' lives.

The president made the remarks on Thursday at the State House in Abuja while receiving a delegation of traditional rulers from Oyo State led by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja.

Addressing Ladoja, a former governor of Oyo State, Tinubu noted that states now receive significantly higher allocations than they did when both men served as governors between 1999 and 2007.

"You have governed before as a governor. You need to help us communicate to these governors," Tinubu said.

"Today, the economy of operation is high. But the money that I'm pushing to the states, if you had had it during your own time or during my time, it would have been different.

"They are taking four to five times their money. Nobody is borrowing money to pay salaries now. Pensioners are receiving their pay."

The president said governors should channel the increased revenues into projects that directly improve transportation, security and access to communities.

"They should do more instead of building flyovers where there is no traffic. Build roads and arterial road networks to enhance the quality of life and improve access for security agencies to reach those areas," he said.

Tinubu also reaffirmed his administration's commitment to strengthening security at the grassroots through the planned establishment of state police.

He called on traditional rulers to deepen their collaboration with security agencies, adding that the Federal Government is expanding the capacity of forest guards to tackle banditry and other criminal activities in forested areas.