Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has said that under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, no state governor or local government chairman can complain of inadequate funding, as federal allocations to subnational governments have significantly increased to support grassroots development.
Sanwo-Olu stated this on Tuesday during a one-day public lecture organised by the Arewa Think Tank to commemorate Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary at the Arewa House, Kaduna.
The lecture, themed “65th Year of Nigeria’s Independence: The Journey So Far with the Renewed Hope Agenda in View,” brought together political leaders, academics, youth groups, and development experts to assess the country’s progress under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
In his keynote address, the Lagos governor commended Nigerians for their resilience despite decades of economic and social challenges, noting that Tinubu’s fiscal reforms have transformed the financial outlook of states and local councils.
“Today, that story has changed. Ask any state governor or local government chairman, and they will tell you how much revenue has surged under the watch of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. There is now more money to do more that benefit the people of Nigeria,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu attributed the improvement to deliberate policy actions by the Tinubu administration aimed at strengthening federalism and empowering lower tiers of government.
According to him, between 2023 and 2024, allocations to state governments increased by about 62 percent, while local governments saw a 47 percent rise. He also applauded the new tax reforms that reduced the Federal Government’s share of Value Added Tax (VAT) from 15 percent to 10 percent, giving states 55 percent and local governments 35 percent.
“This is another bold step by the President to ensure governance is brought closer to the people,” he added.
The governor further praised Tinubu’s support for local government autonomy, citing the recent Supreme Court ruling that affirmed financial independence for local councils as a landmark achievement.
He also revealed that the President’s next major reform focus is on restructuring the nation’s security framework through the creation of state police, a policy he described as “long overdue and fundamental.”
Quoting the President’s remarks to Katsina leaders, Sanwo-Olu said, “I am reviewing all aspects of security. I have to create a State Police. We are looking at that holistically. We will defeat insecurity.”
Sanwo-Olu described the Renewed Hope Agenda as a “bridge-building framework” designed to unite Nigeria’s diverse regions through fairness, reform, and inclusive growth.
“President Tinubu is a veteran unifier and bridge-builder. His Renewed Hope Agenda is about connecting Nigeria, building bridges of reform, prosperity, and national unity,” he said.
Reflecting on the legacy of the late Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto, Sanwo-Olu stressed that sustainable development must be homegrown and inclusive.
“More than six decades later, the Sardauna’s words still ring true. Our duty is to build on those legacies, planting trees we may not sit under, but ensuring a better Nigeria for future generations,” he stated.
The governor reaffirmed Lagos State’s commitment to partnering with the Federal Government in advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda, declaring, “The task ahead is immense, but together, guided by unity and purpose, we will achieve it.”
