Tinubu to Governors: Stop Building Unnecessary Flyovers, Improve Citizens’ Lives

President Bola Tinubu has urged state governors to prioritise projects that directly improve the lives of citizens instead of constructing flyovers in areas with little traffic, saying available resources should be channelled toward infrastructure that supports development and security.

The President made the remarks 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 in Abuja.

Addressing the traditional rulers, Tinubu noted that state governments now receive significantly higher allocations from the Federation Account compared to the period when both he and Ladoja served as governors.

Tinubu governed Lagos State from 1999 to 2007, while Ladoja was governor of Oyo State between 2003 and 2007.

The President said the improved financial position of states should reflect in better infrastructure, stronger security and improved welfare for citizens.

“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.”

Tinubu stressed that governors should invest more in road networks that connect communities and improve access for security agencies rather than embarking on expensive projects with limited public benefit.

“They should do more instead of building flyovers where there is no numeric traffic; build roads and artery networks to really enhance the quality of life and the accessibility of the security agencies to penetrate those areas,” he added.

The President also reiterated his administration’s commitment to strengthening security across the country through the establishment of state police.

He said the proposed state police structure would include safeguards to prevent abuse while improving security at the grassroots.

Tinubu further called on traditional rulers to support government efforts by encouraging communities to provide credible intelligence that would assist security agencies in combating criminal activities.

He added that the Federal Government was enhancing the capacity of forest guards, who would be retrained and equipped to confront bandits, kidnappers and other criminal groups operating in forests across the country.