ActionAid backs Tinubu's call for people-centred projects over unnecessary flyovers

ActionAid Nigeria has thrown its weight behind President Bola Tinubu's directive to state governors, urging them to shift focus from constructing non-essential flyovers to projects that directly benefit citizens.

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ActionAid Nigeria welcomes President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent call on state governors to stop constructing unnecessary flyovers in locations without traffic congestion and instead prioritise projects that directly improve citizens’ lives.

The organization's Country Director, Dr. Andrew Mamedu, stated that the President's call presents a crucial opportunity to broaden the national conversation on public finance and the allocation of scarce resources. He emphasized that in a time of significant economic hardship for millions of Nigerians, every public fund should deliver measurable value.

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The organisation believes the President’s remarks present an opportunity for a broader national conversation about public finance, one that goes beyond flyovers to address how governments at all levels allocate scarce public resources.

ActionAid Nigeria recommended a review of expenditures on non-essential projects, including luxury acquisitions, oversized official delegations, and excessive travel. The organization suggested that savings from these areas could be redirected to vital sectors like education, healthcare, and water supply, aligning public budgets with national priorities and improving citizens' quality of life.

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At a time when millions of Nigerians are making extraordinary sacrifices amid economic hardship, every naira of public money should deliver measurable value to citizens.

The group also called for enhanced transparency and accountability in all public spending, including discretionary and security-related funds, while respecting national security needs. They stressed the importance of selecting infrastructure projects based on evidence, community needs, and measurable outcomes, advocating for stronger citizen involvement in budget planning, implementation, and monitoring.

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ActionAid Nigeria urges leaders at every level to seize this moment to shift public spending from prestige to purpose.