Shettima, Govs, NASS Back Reforms, Cite Higher State Funds

Vice President Kashim Shettima, the National Assembly, and state governors on Sunday threw their weight behind President Bola Tinubu’s reform agenda, saying it has increased funds available to states and accelerated development at the subnational level.

The leaders, who spoke during activities marking the President’s 74th birthday, said the administration’s economic policies are boosting revenues to states, reducing dependence on borrowing, and setting the country on a path to recovery.

Shettima described the occasion as a reflection of Tinubu’s enduring commitment to national service, noting that his leadership continues to prioritise the common good.

“It’s a celebration of service to humanity. It’s a celebration of forgiveness, of resilience, of commitment to the common good. We are wishing him, on behalf of a grateful nation, many more years of meritorious service to humanity,” the Vice President said.

At the National Assembly, Senate President Godswill Akpabio emphasised the cordial relationship between the executive and legislature, describing it as a key driver of policy implementation and governance stability.

He noted that the administration inherited a fragile economy but is making steady progress, with reforms strengthening fiscal federalism and enabling states to access more resources.

“We wish him good health. We wish him peace of mind. And we pray that Almighty God will continue to endow him with wisdom, with a sound mind, and with the tolerance that he has exhibited so far,” Akpabio said.

He added that increased revenues accruing to states have reduced the need for borrowing, with many subnational governments now better positioned to fund development projects.

“The relationship between the legislature and the executive has been very cordial… We met a very bad economy, and therefore the process of getting out of it has to be everybody’s business. States are getting more funds now for development, and many states are not borrowing. They are very excited that true federalism is being upheld. So we are sure that we are on the right path,” he stated.

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, described Tinubu’s 74th birthday as significant, noting that his leadership comes at a critical moment in the nation’s history.

“It is indeed a day of history, a day of joy for all of us in the National Assembly… With the accomplishments he has been bringing to this dear country, it is our candid prayer that Mr. President will continue to be guided by the will of Allah and that the best of him is yet to come,” Abbas said.

State governors, under the aegis of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, also aligned with the President’s reform agenda, crediting it with driving transformation across states.

Chairman of the forum and Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq, said the policies have led to increased revenues and investments, particularly in infrastructure and agriculture.

“The courage of Mr. President is unprecedented. We see light at the end of the tunnel. The economy is turning around because of investment in infrastructure,” AbdulRazaq said.

He urged Nigerians to assess the impact of the reforms beyond the federal level, pointing to what he described as visible changes in the states.

“You should go to the states, go to the sub-nationals… The transformation is phenomenal. And all this is because of increased revenue brought about by the policies of Mr. President. The policies are working,” he added, noting that agricultural investments are beginning to drive down food prices.

The governors also commended Tinubu’s decision to donate his salary to a fund supporting victims within the armed forces, describing it as an act of compassionate leadership.

Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma said the administration’s policies are bold and innovative, adding that they are already repositioning the economy.

“The president since his assumption of office has introduced a lot of bold policies, reforming the economy, giving new directions… Our country has gradually changed for the better,” he said.

Similarly, Niger State Governor Umar Bago said governors across the country are united in their support for the President’s agenda.

“We’re very proud of the president for his reforms and also proud to be associated with him. That is why you have seen all the governors rally around the president today,” he said.

Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori also affirmed the impact of the reforms, linking them to increased allocations to states and growing development capacity.

“He has done well for this nation. His reforms and policies are already working, and the states are getting more money,” he said.