Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has stated that under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, no state governor or local government chairman has any justification for complaining about a lack of funds, stressing that federal allocations to subnational governments have increased significantly to meet their developmental obligations.
Governor Sanwo-Olu made this announcement on Tuesday while delivering a keynote address at a one-day public lecture organised by the Arewa Think Tank (ATT) to commemorate Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, held at the prestigious Arewa House in Kaduna.
Themed “65th Year of Nigeria’s Independence: The Journey So Far with the Renewed Hope Agenda in View,” the event brought together political leaders, scholars, youth groups, and policy stakeholders to assess Nigeria’s trajectory under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu’s administration.
Sanwo-Olu lauded the resilience and patriotism of Nigerians over the past six and a half decades of independence, noting that despite numerous challenges, the nation continues to demonstrate an unbroken capacity for growth, reform, and unity.
“Today, that story has changed. Ask any State Governor or Local Government Chairman, and they will tell you how much revenue has surged under the watch of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. There is now more money to do more — to deliver tangible benefits to the Nigerian people,” he said.
The Lagos Governor attributed the improved fiscal health of states and local councils to bold economic reforms championed by President Tinubu, especially those aimed at strengthening true federalism and empowering subnational governments.
According to him, between 2023 and 2024, federal allocations to state governments increased by about 62 per cent, while allocations to local governments rose by 47 per cent. He further disclosed that the new tax reforms, which reduced the Federal Government’s share of Value Added Tax (VAT) from 15 per cent to 10 per cent, exemplify Tinubu’s commitment to fiscal decentralisation and grassroots development.
“With the new tax laws, states now receive 55 per cent of VAT, while local governments get 35 per cent. This is another bold step by the President to ensure governance is truly closer to the people,” Sanwo-Olu added.
He also applauded President Tinubu’s unwavering pursuit of local government financial autonomy, noting that the recent Supreme Court judgment affirming such autonomy stands as a landmark victory for true federalism.
On security, Sanwo-Olu disclosed that President Tinubu’s next primary reform focus is the creation of State Police, describing the move as “long overdue and fundamental” to addressing insecurity nationwide.
Quoting the President’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.”
The Lagos Governor described the Renewed Hope Agenda as a bridge-building framework, aimed at uniting Nigeria’s diverse regions through equity, reform, and inclusive development.
“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 said.
Drawing inspiration from the leadership ideals of Nigeria’s founding fathers, especially the late Sir Ahmadu Bello, Sanwo-Olu emphasised that actual development must be homegrown and specific.
He urged leaders to continue learning from the successes and lessons learned from past shortcomings.
“More than six decades later, 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. We will continue to affirm that Nigeria is a proudly multi-ethnic, multi-religious, and multicultural country. What binds us together is far stronger than what divides us. We shall overcome every challenge, poverty, hunger, and terrorism,” he declared.
Governor Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed Lagos State’s continued partnership with the Federal Government to actualise the Renewed Hope Agenda and build a prosperous, inclusive, and resilient Nigeria, adding, “The task ahead is immense, but together, guided by unity and purpose, we will achieve it”, he concluded.
Dignitaries at the event include Senator Pius Anyim Pius, former Senate President who served as Chairman of the occasion, Elder statesman Chief Bisi Akande, Elder statesman Chief Olusegun Osoba, former Kaduna State Governor Muktar Ramalan Yero, Honourable Minister of Defence Mohammed Badaru Abubakar and the Convener Arewa Stakeholders Consultative Initiative (ASCI), Alhaji Yerima Shettima, among other personalities.
