Tinubu Urges Governors to Prioritize Road Infrastructure Over Flyovers

President Bola Tinubu has called on state governors to redirect their focus from constructing flyovers in low-traffic areas to enhancing road networks that improve living standards and facilitate security access.

During a meeting with traditional rulers from Oyo State, including the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, Tinubu highlighted the significant increase in federal allocations to states, which now receive four to five times their previous amounts. He urged governors to invest these funds wisely in road infrastructure rather than unnecessary flyovers.

“The cost of operation is high, but the money being allocated now could have changed the narrative during your time,” Tinubu remarked, emphasizing the need for meaningful investments in accessible and functional road networks.

His comments came in light of the recent successful rescue of abducted schoolchildren and teachers from Oriire Local Government Area, a crisis that lasted 56 days. Tinubu expressed his administration's firm stance against negotiating with terrorists and paying ransoms, stating, “We refuse to negotiate for ransom. These criminals wanted us to release detained members of their gangs along with their ransom demands.”

He also noted that the military would be expanded from eight to twelve divisions to enhance response times to such crises and combat terrorism effectively. “Each security event teaches us new lessons,” he said, underscoring the need for adaptive strategies in the face of evolving threats.

The president condemned the rise in kidnappings and terrorist attacks, linking them to the security collapse in neighboring Sahel countries. “Some of these criminals are non-Nigerians,” he added, calling for improved local security measures, including the establishment of state police.

Tinubu emphasized the importance of community involvement in security efforts, indicating that traditional rulers would play a critical role in overseeing local law enforcement. “We will protect it from abuses,” he assured, referring to the planned state police framework.

In summary, President Tinubu's remarks reflect a strategic shift towards prioritizing infrastructure that enhances security and quality of life, urging state governors to invest in sustainable development rather than flashy projects that fail to address pressing needs.