January 01, (THEWILL) – President Bola Tinubu has highlighted the pivotal role of state governors in Nigeria’s development, emphasizing their leadership as essential to achieving economic stability, food security, and grassroots progress.

Speaking at his Ikoyi residence in Lagos during a New Year visit by Vice President Kashim Shettima and members of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Tinubu underscored the importance of collaboration between the federal and state governments to tackle pressing challenges.

“You are the most important link to Nigeria’s prosperity and development. The Federal Government accounts for about 30 to 35 percent of allocated revenue; the rest comes to you. The agricultural value chain depends on you. You own the land, and the job is in your hands,” Tinubu said, according to a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

Tinubu called for coordinated efforts to address local government autonomy, agricultural productivity, and currency stability. Stressing his commitment to grassroots development, he clarified misconceptions about his stance on local government autonomy.

“There were gossips that we had disagreements on local government autonomy. No. Just drive development at the local government level. Nobody wants to take them away from you, but we need collaboration. Let’s do it together and ensure Nigeria is better off for it,” he added.

The President urged governors to prioritize agricultural growth as a pathway to economic stability, noting the need for improved efforts to strengthen the naira and boost food production.

“We have to work harder, grow more, and ensure the situation of our currency improves. Nigeria will see prosperity, but it requires consistent effort from all of us,” he said.

Reflecting on his leadership journey over the past 19 months, Tinubu expressed optimism about the nation’s future under his administration. “I am glad I asked for this job, and Nigerians gave me the mandate. We’ll be on this voyage together,” he stated.

He also announced plans to visit Enugu State on January 4 as part of his nationwide tours and lauded THISDAY newspaper for naming him *Man of the Year*. Tinubu praised the publication for recognizing his administration’s progress despite earlier criticisms.

Chairman of the NGF and Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazak, echoed Tinubu’s sentiments, describing THISDAY’s recognition as a testament to the success of the administration’s policies.

“The policies are working. In agriculture, I was in Jigawa. The complaint was that there was a bumper harvest, but because of the strength of our currency, traders exported the harvest. Most of us are now buying bumper stocks into silos to prepare for the rainy day,” Abdulrazak said.

He encouraged Tinubu to visit states to witness ongoing development projects firsthand, assuring the President of the governors’ unwavering support.

“I must confess that I’ve done more projects in two years of this administration than in the four years of my first term. We are getting more funding due to the restructuring of the economy. Yes, there is inflation, but we are overriding it,” Abdulrazak added.

The governors also pledged to enhance local security architecture to bolster the nation’s safety, reaffirming their commitment to driving transformative development across the country.