President Tinubu Urges Arewa Consultative Forum to Mobilize Governors for Local Government Reforms

President Bola Tinubu has called on the Arewa Consultative Forum to engage with state governors to enhance the functionality of the 774 local government areas in Nigeria. During a recent meeting, the President emphasized the importance of local governments in addressing the needs of the populace and fostering development at the grassroots level.

"We are running a constitutional democracy," President Tinubu stated. "I appeal to you to summon the governors. While I am working hard to enhance the country's revenue base, they must also be sympathetic and consider the urgent needs of the local people."

He highlighted the critical role local governments play in the daily lives of Nigerians, pointing out that effective local governance is essential for delivering services, supporting agriculture, and improving living standards.

The President questioned the current effectiveness of the 774 local governments, stressing the need for accountability and potential recalibration. "We have 774 local government areas, but are they truly effective? Do they solve problems for Nigerians? Do they coordinate development programming with the state and federal governments?" he asked. Tinubu suggested that what worked in the past might not be adequate today and that local governments should be assessed and improved accordingly.

Tinubu underscored the importance of education as a tool against poverty, noting the unacceptable number of out-of-school children. "Education is what brought many of us here. We must use our education to serve the people and improve their conditions," he said. He called for intensified collaboration to bolster Nigeria’s education system, which he described as the backbone of the country's economy.

The President also addressed infrastructure decay and poverty, particularly in northern Nigeria, and emphasized the need for significant investments in technology to enhance security and protect citizens. "We must eliminate the sources of these trends," he asserted.

Highlighting several key projects, Tinubu mentioned the AKK gas pipeline, the dredging of the River Niger, and improvements to port access and infrastructure, all aimed at reducing travel times and boosting national prosperity. He also discussed the importance of addressing issues in animal husbandry and dairy farming to grow the economy.

"Talk to the governors and tell them to make more land available. Talk to herders to collaborate with the states. The lands are with the states. We are ready to put funds in place to help the herders," Tinubu said, drawing comparisons to successful practices in Brazil and the Netherlands.

President Tinubu stressed the importance of unity, stating, "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."

To ensure the follow-up on the issues raised, Tinubu directed the establishment of a committee led by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume. "We must tick the boxes on all that we must quickly do," the President concluded.

This comprehensive approach aims to bolster local governance, improve education, enhance security, and drive economic development across Nigeria, ensuring that the needs of the local communities are met effectively.