Nigeria: Tinubu Criticises Governors, Says They're Building Needless Flyovers

What the report says

AllAfrica, republishing a Premium Times report, says Nigerian President Bola Tinubu criticised state governors on Thursday for spending heavily on flyover projects while, in his view, neglecting infrastructure that could better support communities and security operations. Tinubu made the remarks at the State House in Abuja while meeting traditional rulers from Oyo State, led by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Rashidi Ladoja.

According to the report, Tinubu argued that state governments are receiving far larger monthly allocations than before and should direct more of those funds toward road networks and access routes, especially in areas where better connectivity could improve residents’ welfare and help security agencies respond faster. He linked the increased state revenues to higher Federation Account Allocation Committee disbursements after the removal of the petrol subsidy in May 2023, a policy change that has brought greater scrutiny of how governors use the additional money.

The president asked the traditional rulers to communicate his concerns to governors, saying states are no longer in the same fiscal position as in the past. Ladoja, who governed Oyo State from 2003 to 2007, was present as part of the delegation.

Premium Times also reported that Tinubu used the meeting to discuss security, citing efforts against banditry and terrorism, including rescue operations in Oyo State. He said the army had expanded from eight to 12 divisions, forest guards were being strengthened, and his government would not pay ransom or release detained suspects in exchange for kidnap victims. He also referred to plans for state police, with safeguards against misuse, and said wider consultations with traditional rulers would continue.