President Bola Tinubu has urged state governors to stop constructing flyovers in areas with little traffic and instead invest more in road networks that improve living standards and strengthen security across the country.
The President made the call on Thursday while receiving a delegation of Oyo State traditional rulers, led by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, at the State House in Abuja.
Tinubu noted that states are now receiving significantly higher allocations from the Federation Account than in previous years, saying governors should use the increased funds to deliver projects that directly benefit the people.
“They are taking four to five times their money. Nobody is borrowing money to pay salaries now. Pensioners are receiving their pay,” he said.
He advised governors to focus on expanding road networks rather than constructing flyovers where traffic volume does not justify such projects.
“They should do more instead of building flyovers where there is no numeric traffic; build roads and artery networks to really enhance the quality of life and the accessibility of the security agencies to penetrate those areas,” Tinubu stated.
Tinubu Defends No-Ransom Policy
The President also revealed that terrorists who abducted pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State demanded both a ransom and the release of detained members of their group.
Tinubu said the Federal Government rejected the demands, insisting it would not negotiate with criminals.
“We refused to negotiate for ransom. These criminals wanted us to release members of their criminal gangs that were already arrested, and we said no deal. We are not going to negotiate with criminals,” he said.
He commended the armed forces for successfully rescuing the victims after 56 days in captivity.
According to the President, the rescue operation demonstrated the need to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.
Tinubu disclosed that the Federal Government is increasing the number of Army divisions from eight to 12 to improve response time and boost the fight against terrorism and banditry.
“From eight divisions, we are now moving to 12 divisions to shorten the response time and give that response the strength needed to defeat terrorism and banditry,” he said.
State Police, Forest Guards
The President also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to establishing state police, saying safeguards would be introduced to prevent abuse.
“There will be state police, and that state police will have guardrails from abuses,” he stated.
Tinubu added that the government is strengthening the capacity of forest guards to combat criminal gangs operating in forests across the country.
He also linked Nigeria’s growing security challenges to instability in neighbouring countries such as Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger Republic, saying the situation has worsened insecurity within Nigeria.
Source: Presidency.
