APC Chieftain Urges Tinubu to Rethink State Funding, Blames Governors for Nigeria’s Development Challenges
A former Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism in Niger State and a prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Jonathan Vatsa, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to review the distribution of public funds to state governments, arguing that many governors have failed to translate increased allocations into meaningful development.
Vatsa maintained that the hardship experienced by many Nigerians is not solely due to a shortage of government revenue but also to what he described as poor management of resources and misplaced priorities by several state administrations.
His comments followed President Tinubu’s recent position that governors should focus less on constructing flyovers in areas with minimal traffic and instead invest in projects that directly improve infrastructure and the quality of life of citizens.
According to Vatsa, several states have embarked on expensive flyover projects despite having relatively low traffic volumes, while many of the projects remain incomplete years after construction began. He argued that such projects often fail to address the pressing needs of residents and do little to stimulate economic growth.
He further claimed that although monthly allocations to states have risen significantly in recent years, many citizens have yet to experience corresponding improvements in healthcare, education, road infrastructure, job creation, or poverty reduction. In his view, the disconnect between increased revenue and development has contributed to growing public dissatisfaction.
Vatsa also expressed concern that the political consequences of economic hardship are often directed at the President, while state governments receive comparatively less public scrutiny despite controlling substantial financial resources.
The APC chieftain urged the Federal Government to consider creating a dedicated national development intervention mechanism that would directly finance critical infrastructure and social projects across the country. He referenced previous intervention programmes established by past administrations as examples of initiatives designed to channel resources into development.
He also raised concerns about the rising debt profile of some states, arguing that governments receiving larger federal allocations should exercise greater fiscal discipline instead of accumulating loans for projects with limited public value.
On local government administration, Vatsa appealed to President Tinubu to ensure full implementation of the Supreme Court’s judgment on local government financial autonomy. He alleged that many local councils remain unable to function effectively because they do not have full control over their statutory allocations.
According to him, strengthening local government autonomy would improve grassroots governance, accelerate community development, and enhance the delivery of essential public services.
Vatsa concluded that prudent management of public funds, greater accountability by state governments, and the effective implementation of local government autonomy would help ensure that increased national revenue translates into tangible improvements in the lives of Nigerians.
Published by: ProlificX Premium Network
