Tinubu urges state govt to prioritise local communities needs

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President Bola Tinubu has called on state governments to prioritize 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.

He urged the ACF leaders to hold the governors accountable, emphasising that he is committed to upholding a constitutional democracy.

“I am doing my very best to enhance the country’s revenue base. The governors must also be sympathetic and urgently consider the needs of the local people.

“People reside in local communities. That is where they work, farm, and live. If local governments are not effective in delivering services, as leaders, we must not just focus on the numbers. We have 774 local government areas, but are they truly effective? Do they solve problems for Nigerians? Do they coordinate development programs with the state and federal governments?

“Who is being held accountable for the performance of the 774 local governments? Perhaps we should consider recalibrating. What was effective four years ago may not be sufficient today. When we seek votes, we go to the locals; once elected, we focus on Abuja,” the President said.

Highlighting the importance of education in nation-building, Tinubu described the situation of out-of-school children in parts of Nigeria as unacceptable.

“The issue of out-of-school children is unacceptable. Education is a tool against poverty, and it is what brought many of us here. We must use our education to serve the people and improve their conditions. We must strengthen the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, which is the education system. We will collaborate with you intensively on this,” Tinubu stated.