President Bola Tinubu has urged Nigeria’s 36 state governors to lead the charge in grassroots development, emphasising that the financial autonomy granted to local governments is not intended to undermine their authority over the third tier of government.

Speaking on Wednesday during a New Year courtesy visit by members of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), led by Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Tinubu highlighted the importance of the governors’ leadership in driving food security, economic growth, and national progress. The meeting was held at the President’s Ikoyi residence in Lagos.

Dispelling rumours of a rift over local government autonomy, Tinubu reaffirmed the need for collaboration. “There have been speculations about disagreements over local government autonomy. Let me make it clear: there is no conflict. We are not here to take local governments away from you. What we need is teamwork. Let us work together to transform Nigeria for the better,” Tinubu said, according to a statement by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga.

The President called for a stronger partnership between federal and state governments to address pressing challenges such as agricultural productivity, currency stability, and local government reforms.

He urged governors to prioritise agricultural development as a cornerstone for economic stability. “You are the key drivers of Nigeria’s prosperity. While the Federal Government receives 30–35% of allocated revenue, the rest is in your hands. You control the land; the responsibility is yours. Together, we must work harder, grow more, and strengthen our currency. With consistent effort, Nigeria will achieve prosperity.”

In response, Governor AbdulRazaq, who chairs the NGF, expressed the governors’ commitment to supporting Tinubu’s administration. “I must admit that in just two years, I have accomplished more projects than I did in the entire first term. This is due to improved funding resulting from the ongoing economic restructuring,” AbdulRazaq stated.