Tinubu Has Empowered Governors to Deliver, Says Sanwo-Olu

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, says President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has significantly strengthened the capacity of state and local governments to deliver development projects through increased federal allocations and fiscal reforms.

Speaking at a one-day public lecture organised by the Arewa Think Tank (ATT) in Kaduna to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary, Sanwo-Olu noted that no governor or council chairman could now complain of inadequate funding for project execution.

> “Ask any state governor or local government chairman, and they will confirm that revenues have surged under President Tinubu’s leadership,” he said. “There is now more money to do more that benefits the people of Nigeria.”

The event, themed “65th Year of Nigeria’s Independence: The Journey So Far with the Renewed Hope Agenda in View,” brought together political leaders, academics, youth, and civil society groups to reflect on Nigeria’s progress and prospects.

Sanwo-Olu attributed the financial boost to deliberate policy reforms by the Tinubu administration, designed to strengthen true federalism and empower sub-national governments. According to him, between 2023 and 2024, allocations to state governments rose by 62 percent, while those to local governments increased by 47 percent.

He further commended the administration’s tax reforms, including the reduction of the Federal Government’s share of Value Added Tax (VAT) from 15 percent to 10 percent, describing it as a bold move toward fiscal decentralisation and grassroots development.

The governor also hailed Tinubu’s commitment to local government financial autonomy, referencing the Federal Government’s landmark Supreme Court victory, which legally secured the independence of Nigeria’s 774 councils.

Sanwo-Olu revealed that the President’s next major reform focus is restructuring the national security architecture through the creation of state police, describing it as “long overdue and essential to strengthening internal security.”

Highlighting the ideals of the Renewed Hope Agenda, he said the policy represents a bridge-building framework aimed at promoting unity, equity, and inclusive development across Nigeria’s regions.

Drawing inspiration from the vision of Sir Ahmadu Bello and other founding fathers, Sanwo-Olu stressed that true progress must be homegrown, people-centred, and tailored to local needs.

He expressed optimism that Nigeria would overcome insecurity and other developmental challenges through unity and reform-driven leadership.

> “We must adopt a bottom-up approach to actualise state policing, local government autonomy, and national infrastructure projects that connect our cities and open up rural areas,” he said. “Our leaders must continue learning from both the successes and failures of the past.”