President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on state governors to channel public resources toward security, road infrastructure and other critical development projects rather than constructing flyovers in locations where they are not urgently needed.
The President made the remarks during a meeting with traditional rulers led by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Addressing the gathering, Tinubu said improved federal allocations to states have strengthened their financial capacity, noting that many states are no longer dependent on borrowing to pay workers’ salaries or settle pension obligations.
According to the President, the increased revenue should be invested in projects that directly improve the lives of citizens, particularly road networks that enhance connectivity, stimulate economic activities and support security operations.
He advised governors to carefully assess their infrastructure priorities, arguing that constructing flyovers in areas with minimal traffic offers limited public value compared with investments in strategic road corridors and other essential facilities.
Tinubu stressed that improved road infrastructure is vital for enhancing mobility, facilitating emergency response and enabling security agencies to respond more effectively to emerging threats across the country.
The President also expressed concern over evolving security challenges within the West African sub-region, warning that instability in neighboring countries, including Mali, underscores the need for Nigeria to strengthen its internal security architecture.
As part of the Federal Government’s security strategy, Tinubu disclosed that efforts are underway to expand the Forest Guard initiative to 12 divisions, with the objective of improving surveillance and denying criminal groups safe havens in forests and remote areas.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to combating banditry, kidnapping and other forms of violent crime through coordinated security operations and strengthened intelligence gathering.
Referring to the recent kidnapping incident in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, the President maintained that his administration remained firmly opposed to the payment of ransom to criminal groups, insisting that such payments only encourage further criminality.
He commended the security agencies involved in the rescue operation and reaffirmed the government’s determination to pursue policies that discourage kidnapping while protecting lives and property.
Speaking on behalf of the traditional rulers, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, reportedly praised the Federal Government’s renewed emphasis on tackling insecurity and strengthening measures against banditry and kidnapping.
The monarch also welcomed ongoing efforts to improve collaboration between security agencies and traditional institutions in addressing community-level security challenges.
Political analysts say the President’s remarks reflect a broader push for states to align development spending with pressing national priorities, particularly security, transportation and economic productivity.
They note that while flyovers remain valuable in heavily congested urban centres, infrastructure investments should be guided by careful needs assessments and long-term socioeconomic benefits.
As states continue implementing their budgets, stakeholders have called for prudent management of public funds and greater emphasis on projects capable of delivering measurable improvements in security, transportation, commerce and the overall quality of life for Nigerians.
