Nigeria Tried To Fund Long-Term Projects With Short-Term Money — Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has said one of Nigeria’s biggest development setbacks over the years was the attempt by previous administrations to finance long-term projects with short-term resources.

He disclosed this on Tuesday while receiving a delegation of Enugu State stakeholders led by Governor Peter Mbah at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

According to him, the country had failed in the past to adopt a serious, long-term development outlook.

“What has been the problem in the past is that Nigeria is trying to finance long-term projects with short-term funding,” the President said.

“We have not embarked upon a serious long-term outlook for our country.”

Tinubu, however, said the tide was changing, expressing optimism that Nigeria was now on the path to sustainable growth through reforms and visionary leadership at both federal and state levels.

He commended Governor Mbah for what he described as bold and transformative leadership in Enugu, noting visible improvements in security, education, healthcare and infrastructure.

“The results you have outlined are not abstract,” Tinubu said.

“They are evidence that reform is working, that difficult decisions are yielding real outcomes, and that Nigeria is moving forward.”

The President assured the delegation that the Federal Government would continue to work closely with Enugu State on major infrastructure and economic projects.

According to him, the Port Harcourt–Enugu rail line, power sector reforms and other strategic initiatives affecting the state would continue to receive attention.

“It’s not a one-man orchestra,” he said.

“It is a collective effort at the national, subnational, and local government levels. Please do more for the local governments.”

Tinubu also responded to the delegation’s political endorsement, describing it as encouraging.

He said, “Democracy will survive despite all the intimidations.”

“Stay focused. When you are succeeding, and they are angry, leave them in their corner.”

Earlier, Governor Peter Mbah said the visit was to express appreciation to the President for key federal interventions in the state and to reaffirm the people’s support for his administration.

Mbah listed several projects, including the concessioning of Akanu Ibiam International Airport, the establishment of the South East Development Commission, road reconstruction works and railway upgrades.

“We came to express our profound gratitude for the several interventions of the Federal Government in Enugu State,” Mbah said.

“The reconstruction of over 100 kilometres of the Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway and progress on the Enugu–Onitsha road have greatly improved connectivity.”

He added that the planned completion of the Port Harcourt–Enugu rail line would significantly boost commerce and the movement of goods.

“The extension of the national gas pipeline to Enugu is a major milestone,” the governor said.

“It will unlock our energy potential and position Enugu as a regional energy hub.”

Mbah said reforms at the federal level had complemented state efforts, especially policies such as removing the fuel subsidy, unifying the exchange rate, and fiscal restructuring.

He also highlighted achievements in security and internally generated revenue.

“Security incidents in our state have reduced significantly,” he said.

“Our internally generated revenue has risen sharply, enabling us to fund over 1,000 kilometres of roads, smart schools, healthcare centres and agricultural programmes.”

The governor used the occasion to declare political support for Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general election.

“This relationship has earned our trust and support,” Mbah said.

“On that basis, we will stand proudly with you on election day in January 2027.”

Other members of the delegation included Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Kelvin Aneke, and his wife; former Senate President Ken Nnamani; former Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi;  former Governor Sullivan Chime; former Minister of Information, Frank Nweke Jr; Chief Jim Nwobodo; Senator Osita Ngwu; Bishop Onyia; Igwe S Asadu; Sir Osita Okechukwu; Dr Dan Sherry; Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogala; and Father Ejike Mbaka, among others.