Stop building unnecessary flyovers, Tinubu tells govs

President Bola Tinubu has advised state governors to redirect their significantly increased federal allocations towards developing crucial road networks rather than constructing flyovers in areas with minimal traffic. The President emphasized that states are now receiving four to five times more funds than in previous years, which should be sufficient to cover operational costs and infrastructure development without resorting to borrowing.

“

The cost of operation is high. But the money that I’m pushing to the states, if you had it during your own time, or during my time, it would have been different. They are taking four to five times their money. Nobody is borrowing money to pay salaries now. Pensioners are receiving their pay.

Tinubu made these remarks while receiving a delegation of traditional rulers from Oyo State, led by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja. He pointed out that enhanced road networks would not only improve living standards but also provide security agencies with better access to remote areas. "The money that I’m pushing to the states, if you had it during your own time, or during my time, it would have been different," he stated, highlighting the current financial capacity of the states.

“

They should do more instead of building flying over 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.

Speaking on security, President Tinubu disclosed that the terrorists who abducted schoolchildren and teachers from Oriire Local Government Area had demanded the release of their jailed members along with ransom. However, the administration refused this condition. "We refuse to negotiate for ransom. These criminals wanted us to release from detention members of their criminal gangs that were already arrested, that was one of their conditions, outside of the money they were looking for. And we said no deal. We are not going to negotiate with criminals," he asserted.

“

We refuse to negotiate for ransom. These criminals wanted us to release from detention members of their criminal gangs that were already arrested, that was one of their conditions, outside of the money they were looking for. And we said no deal. We are not going to negotiate with criminals.

In response to the Oriire abductions and other security challenges, Tinubu revealed his directive to expand the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions. This expansion aims to shorten response times and bolster the capacity of security forces to combat terrorism and banditry. He commended the armed forces for their successful performance in the rescue operation.

“

I agree that we should commend the men and women of the armed forces for their excellent performance.