President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged state governors to prioritise the construction of road networks over flyovers in areas with low traffic, saying the increased allocations to states should be directed toward projects that improve living standards and strengthen security.
The President made the remarks on Thursday while receiving a delegation of traditional rulers from Oyo State, led by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The monarchs were at the State House to congratulate him on the successful rescue of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area after spending 56 days in captivity.
According to the President, state governments are now receiving significantly higher allocations from the Federation Account compared to previous years. He urged governors to invest those resources in road infrastructure that would enhance economic activities and provide security agencies with better access to rural and hard-to-reach communities.
Tinubu said improving road connectivity would have a greater impact on the quality of life than constructing flyovers in locations where traffic volumes do not justify such projects.
Addressing the security situation, the President reaffirmed his administration's policy of refusing to negotiate with terrorists or pay ransom for the release of kidnapped victims. He disclosed that the abductors in the Oriire incident had demanded the release of detained members of their group in addition to ransom, but the Federal Government rejected the conditions.
The President said the rescue operation underscored the need to strengthen Nigeria's security architecture. He noted that his administration had directed the expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to twelve divisions to improve operational capacity, reduce response times, and enhance the fight against terrorism and banditry.
Tinubu also praised members of the Armed Forces for their role in rescuing the victims and said the government would continue to review its security strategies based on lessons from ongoing operations.
On policing reforms, the President reiterated the Federal Government's commitment to establishing state police, adding that safeguards would be put in place to prevent abuse of the system. He also said traditional rulers would have important roles in supporting community security initiatives.
The President attributed the worsening security situation in parts of Nigeria to instability in neighbouring Mali, Burkina Faso, and the Niger Republic, noting that cross-border insecurity has intensified challenges within Nigeria.
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