At LEADERSHIP Conference… Presidency Defends Nigeria’s Fiscal Federalism

The Presidency has said Nigeria’s fiscal challenges stem from the mismanagement of resources and not the existing federal structure.

Vice President Kashim Shettima made this clarification on Tuesday at the 17th Annual LEADERSHIP Newspapers Conference and Awards, held at the Banquet Hall of the State House, Abuja.

The 17th edition of the prestigious gathering celebrates those considered by LEADERSHIP to have distinguished themselves in the public and private sectors in the previous year.

This year, the annual event coincides with the 20th anniversary of LEADERSHIP Newspapers.

It brings together top government officials, business leaders, innovators, and thought leaders under the theme: “The Challenges and Opportunities in Nigeria’s Fiscal Federalism.”

Vice President Kashim Shettima delivered the keynote address.

In his remarks as special guest of honour and keynote speaker, Shettima stressed that fiscal irresponsibility, rather than the structure of the country’s federalism, was the root cause of Nigeria’s governance challenges.

The vice president, who was represented by special adviser to  President on general duties, Office of the Vice President, Aliyu Modibbo Umar, said, “The Nigerian challenge lies less in the structure of our federalism and more in the deficit of our collective fiscal responsibility,” Shettima said.

“The issue is not merely how much each federating unit accrues, but how judiciously such resources are utilised.”

He commended LEADERSHIP for providing a platform where “ideas are not only exchanged but legacies shaped.”

He highlighted the ongoing reforms under the Tinubu administration, which aim to deepen accountability and improve service delivery at all levels of government.

Among the key reforms, Shettima cited the push for local government autonomy as crucial in bringing governance closer to the people.

He lauded the Supreme Court’s recent pronouncements affirming this autonomy, describing it as a critical milestone in building a functional federation.

“This is how we make the federation functional: by bringing governance closer to the people,” he noted.

Drawing examples from other federations such as Canada, Germany, and Spain, Shettima warned against romanticising foreign systems, and stakeholders to pursue a uniquely Nigerian model of federalism rooted in accountability, dialogue, and national development.

“No federal system is perfect. Every federation evolves,” he said. “We must resist the temptation to prescribe imported solutions that fail to account for our distinct social, ethnic, and demographic complexities.

“What matters most to everyday Nigerians is not the abstract theory of federalism but whether governance delivers water, electricity, schools, roads, and hospitals,” the Vice President said.

He acknowledged the administration’s bold fiscal steps—including removing fuel subsidies and introducing tax reforms—as necessary to build a fiscally responsible federation.

Shettima also congratulated the award recipients at the event, calling their recognition “a celebration and a call to duty” and encouraging them to exemplify integrity, innovation, and impact in public and private service.

“Nigeria needs more than policy. Nigeria needs patriots—citizens, leaders, and institutions ready to be counted when it matters most,” he said.

 

We Must Strengthen Our System – Gov Namadi

LEADERSHIP award recipient and governor of Jigawa State, Mallam Umar Namadi, has stressed the need to strengthen Nigeria’s federal fiscal system.

Namadi, who spoke after receiving the Governor of the Year award, described the award as “inspirational and revered.”

He noted that the conference’s theme was very apt and timely.

“I believe it will contribute to the discourse on various aspects of fiscal reforms being implemented by President Bola Tinubu under the Renewed Hope agenda,” he said.

The Jigawa governor added that the discussion surrounding the Tax Reform Bill before the National Assembly would contribute to efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s fiscal federalism.

Appreciating LEADERSHIP for the award, the governor said, “We’ll remain committed to aspiring to discharge our constitutional mandates. Since we assumed office, our commitment has been to faithfully discharge our mandate in line with our vision of a greater Jigawa.

“Therefore, We’ll remain focused and steadfast in our resolve to continue to improve the social welfare of our people most responsively and inclusively for a greater Jigawa for present and future generations,” he said.

 

We’ll Ensure All Our Children Are In School – Kano Gov

Another award recipient, Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, promised to ensure that all children in Kano are enrolled in school.

He also dedicated his Governor of the Year award to vulnerable children nationwide.

Yusuf, who said the award would motivate him to deliver more democratic dividends to his people, noted that he didn’t lobby for it.

“I never thought, prayed or lobbied for the award. I used to think that many underground things were done for awards, but LEADERSHIP proved me wrong,” he said.

He, however, gave assurance that the award would give his administration the necessary drive and encouragement to deliver more democratic dividends to the people.

“In Kano State, we will keep doing more to ensure free education, as all children must be enrolled. We must also build infrastructure and give all necessary support for developing the educational systems,” he said.

 

Akwa Ibom Boasts Of Impactful Policies

The governor of Akwa Ibom, Pastor Umo Eno, who also bagged LEADERSHIP’s Governor of the Year award, also stated that the recognition will spur him to do more.

The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Senator (Dr.) Akon Eyakenyi, said LEADERSHIP had proven consistent, objective, and diligent in ethical journalism.

“LEADERSHIP, with what we have seen today, the awards given did not only focus on the top, the governors or those who have made it, but had to go down to the younger generation, the GenZs, the leaders of tomorrow. In selecting the awardees, just like the governors mentioned earlier, speakers had mentioned that no one lobbied.

“They were diligent, committed to getting to all the states, to search on their own, to dig, to understand what each person has done for his or her people to merit the award. It’s been a very fair judgment, and to this, we want to say thank you very much.”

She added that the governor was committed to leadership and governance as a sacred responsibility.

According to her, in less than 20 months, Governor Umo Eno’s record of achievements in Akwa Ibom State is something to be remembered and commendable.

“The people of Akwa Ibom State are pleased and proud of him. He said I should tell the chairman of LEADERSHIP Newspapers, the management, and the editorial board that you’ve done well, that he appreciates the award, and that this encourages him to do more. That’s what Governor Umo Eno stands for.”

 

We Don’t Tamper With Press Freedom – AGF

For his part, the attorney general of the federation and minister of justice, Chief Lateef Fagbemi, assured that the President Bola Tinubu-led administration does not tamper with press freedom.

He stated that his presence at the event was a clear statement from the Tinubu-led administration on safeguarding press freedom.

Delivering a goodwill message during the ceremony, Fagbemi congratulated LEADERSHIP on its two decades in the media industry.

“Just a few years after the organisation was established, the idea emerged to provide a panoramic view of performances across states and sectors, allowing us to honour those contributing to the nation’s development,” he noted.

Fagbemi congratulated the LEADERSHIP management and staff on their efforts and innovation and prayed for the publication’s founder.

“I congratulate those of us being honoured; this recognition should serve as a challenge to mentor others coming behind us,” he said.

He remarked that individuals should be honoured during their lifetimes, emphasising that the accolade is a microcosm of national honours.

“This recognition is not something I take for granted. I am excited to celebrate alongside three of my colleagues from the Federal Executive Council and prominent individuals from other sectors,” he added.

Discussing the event’s theme, Fagbemi expressed satisfaction with the focus on pressing national issues, stating, “The topic of federalism, including its prospects, challenges, and opportunities, is particularly relevant and essential for the nation’s progress.”

He reiterated his support for the press, saying, “My presence as Attorney General at this event is a testament to the Federal Republic of Nigeria’s dedication to press freedom under the capable leadership of President Bola Tinubu. ”

 

Awards Should Inspire, Not Just Recognise – Zainab Nda-Isaiah

For her part, the chairman of LEADERSHIP Group, Mrs Zainab Nda-Isaiah, called for a shift in how excellence is celebrated in Nigeria, saying that national awards should serve as recognition of achievement and as a catalyst for broader inspiration.

Speaking at the LEADERSHIP  Conference and Awards, yesterday, Mrs Nda-Isaiah said the ceremony was not just about applause but about awakening the nation’s collective responsibility to strive for a more significant impact.

“I don’t think awards and accolades should be about recognition alone,” she said. “More than that, they should also be about inspiration, especially in a harsh global economy where dog-eat-dog is the norm.”

Mrs Nda-Isaiah paid tribute to the organisation’s late founder and her husband, Sam Nda-Isaiah, who established the media group in 2004 with a vision rooted in service and patriotism.

“Twenty years ago, our founding chairman ventured into newspaper publishing with a big idea — For God and Country. That vision continues to guide us, and by the grace of God, it will be passed on to the next generation,” she said.

She described the ceremony as a moment to honour the achievements of this year’s award recipients and to challenge every Nigerian to reflect on their contributions to nation-building.

“These outstanding leaders, each a trailblazer in their own right, remind us of the power of big ideas, resilience, and compassion. They inspire us to make a difference — a difference that means food on the table for many and contributions that improve lives in real communities.”

“As much as we celebrate those being awarded today, each of us has the potential to be a catalyst for change. Let us continue to inspire — and inspire one another,” she said.

 

Vote of Thanks By Editor-in-Chief

The senior vice chairman of LEADERSHIP Group, Mr Azu Ishiekwene, thanked the winners, business partners, sponsors, and advisory board members for their contributions.

He also thanked the vice president’s representative, everyone who worked behind the scenes, and the state house staff for their support.

“As we wrap up this incredible day, I’d like to leave you with a quote from Mahatma Gandhi. He said: ‘The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others’.

“Today, we celebrate those who have lost themselves in their passions, and they have found greatness. Thank you to our winners for inspiring us, our business partners and sponsors for believing in and supporting us, and our advisory board members for pushing us further.

“To our attendees from far and near, including those watching us online, you have been a part of our incredible journey, and we thank you as well.”

Ishiekwene extended his gratitude to the minister of the federal capital territory, other ministers and governors, captains of industry, heads of parastatals, and members of the fourth estate of the realm who patiently sat throughout the programme, including those who were represented.