Fatimah Otunsanya
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 drive development.
Sanwo-Olu made this known 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, Kaduna State.
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 stakeholders to assess the nation’s progress and prospects under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
In his keynote address, Sanwo-Olu commended Nigerians for their resilience and optimism despite decades of challenges, noting that Tinubu’s fiscal reforms have transformed the financial outlook of states and local governments.
Today, that story has changed. Ask any state governor or local government chairman, and they will tell you just how much revenue has surged under the watch of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. There is now more money to do more that benefits the people of Nigeria,” he said.
The governor attributed the improved fiscal position to deliberate policy reforms initiated by the Tinubu administration, particularly those geared towards strengthening federalism and empowering states and local councils.
According to him, between 2023 and 2024, allocations to state governments increased by approximately 62 percent, while local governments recorded a 47 percent rise. He also lauded the new tax reforms, which 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 that governance is closer to the people,” Sanwo-Olu added.
He further commended Tinubu’s steadfast advocacy for local government financial autonomy, recalling the Federal Government’s recent victory at the Supreme Court, which secured a historic legal basis for local council independence.
The governor also revealed that the President’s next major reform focus is restructuring the nation’s security architecture through the creation of state police — a policy he described as “long overdue and fundamental.”
Quoting Tinubu’s recent 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.”
He described the Renewed Hope Agenda as a “bridge-building framework” designed to unite Nigeria’s diverse regions through equity, reform, and inclusive growth.
“President Tinubu is a veteran unifier and a bridge-builder. His Renewed Hope Agenda is about connecting Nigeria — bridges of reform, of prosperity, and of national unity,” he stated.
Drawing lessons from Nigeria’s founding fathers, particularly the late Sir Ahmadu Bello, Sanwo-Olu stressed that sustainable development must be homegrown and context-specific
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 said.
Reaffirming Lagos State’s commitment to partnering with the Federal Government in advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda, the governor declared, “The task ahead is immense, but together, guided by unity and purpose, we will achieve it.”