The recent interaction between President Bola Tinubu and state governors has brought to light a crucial aspect of Nigeria’s development: national prosperity cannot rest solely on the shoulders of the federal government.
Governors play a pivotal role, controlling 65-70% of the nation’s revenue and having authority over land resources.
Their impact on Nigeria’s economic transformation is undeniable, making their commitment to progress far more than just a matter of talk—it must be backed by tangible action.
Many states still heavily depend on federal allocations despite the wealth of natural resources they possess, from agriculture to minerals.
This reliance has fostered a culture where governors regularly journey to Abuja, while local revenues stagnate. As a result, states face crumbling infrastructure, overdue salaries, and rising poverty.
Worse, many struggle to meet basic obligations without federal assistance, leading to questions about their long-term sustainability.
Another major challenge lies in the weakening of local governments by state governors.
Despite the Supreme Court ruling in favor of local government autonomy, and President Tinubu’s assurances of non-interference, local governments remain largely ineffective.
Recent elections, marked by one-party dominance and boycotts, show that local democracy is a mere illusion, undermining development and further disconnecting the government from the people.
The President’s push for an agricultural revolution at the state level highlights a key point: Nigeria’s food security crisis cannot be solved from Abuja.
States control the land, and with this authority, they hold the key to agricultural growth.
However, many governors have fallen short, choosing short-term projects over the transformative investments needed to boost agriculture.
This failure has contributed to rising food prices and increased food insecurity.
Many states are also lacking clear economic policies and long-term development plans. While a few have attracted investment and developed infrastructure, most appear content with simply managing federal funds.
This stagnation in governance has left states struggling to meet their basic needs and stunted their ability to foster meaningful economic growth.
Excessive bureaucracy and inefficient civil service systems add to the problem, draining resources and creating inefficiencies.
Some governors maintain oversized workforces as a form of political patronage, further straining the states’ finances.
Reforming these bloated systems is essential for improving governance and service delivery.
Now is the time for governors to move beyond rhetoric and take decisive action.
They must emulate the federal government’s recent reform efforts by cutting unnecessary jobs, reforming tax systems to boost local revenues, and creating environments that encourage private sector participation.
The status quo is no longer sustainable, and continued inaction will only hinder national development.
Governors must also empower local governments to function as true units of development, not just administrative bodies.
For this to happen, local councils must be allowed to directly access their allocations and initiate projects that meet the needs of their communities.
This will ensure effective service delivery and foster sustainable development.
The success of national reforms depends on governors’ active participation at the state level.
They cannot afford to remain passive observers while controlling much of the nation’s resources.
They must become proactive partners in the mission to transform Nigeria’s economy, tailoring state policies to align with national objectives while addressing local needs.
As President Tinubu rightly pointed out, the task of transforming Nigeria lies not just with the federal government, but also with the states.
Governors must rise above political considerations and focus on the serious business of governance.
The time has come for leadership that prioritizes tangible development over political gain.
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