Tinubu tackles governors, says they’re building needless flyovers

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has criticised some state governors for prioritising the construction of flyovers in areas with little traffic instead of investing in projects that directly improve the lives of citizens.

The President made the remarks while receiving traditional rulers from Oyo State at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where he spoke on governance, security, and the use of increased federal allocations to states. 

Tinubu noted that state governments are now receiving significantly higher revenues from the Federation Account and should channel those resources into projects that enhance infrastructure, security, and the welfare of the people.

According to him, many states are no longer borrowing to pay salaries, while pensioners are also receiving their entitlements, creating an opportunity for governors to focus on meaningful development.

“They are taking four to five times their money. Nobody is borrowing money to pay salaries now,” the President said. He urged governors to stop “building flyovers where there is no numeric traffic” and instead invest in roads and transport networks that improve accessibility and support security operations. 

Tinubu stressed that quality road networks and other critical infrastructure have a greater impact on economic growth, public safety, and the daily lives of citizens than prestige projects with limited public value.

The President also highlighted his administration’s efforts to strengthen national security, including the recent approval for the expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to twelve divisions to improve the military’s operational capacity across the country. 

He reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to tackling insecurity through improved coordination among security agencies while supporting ongoing reforms aimed at enhancing public safety.

Tinubu further expressed support for the proposed establishment of state police, noting that adequate legal safeguards would be put in place to prevent abuse and ensure accountability within the system. 

The President called on political leaders at all levels to focus on projects that deliver tangible benefits to citizens, stressing that governance should be measured by improvements in people’s quality of life rather than the number of monumental structures commissioned.

His comments come amid ongoing debates over infrastructure priorities and the best use of increased federal allocations by state governments across Nigeria.