…hails 62% rise in state allocations under Tinubu’s fiscal reforms

By Sodiq Adelakun

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has said that under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, no governor or local government chairman in Nigeria has any reason to complain about lack of funds.

The governor stated that allocations to states and councils have increased significantly due to the federal government’s reform policies aimed at deepening fiscal federalism and boosting grassroots development.

Sanwo-Olu made the statement on Tuesday during a public lecture organised by the Arewa Think Tank at the Arewa House, Kaduna, to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary. 

The lecture, themed “65 Years of Nigeria’s Independence: The Journey So Far with the Renewed Hope Agenda in View,” brought together leaders, policymakers, and development experts to review Nigeria’s progress under Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“Today, that story has changed. Ask any governor or local government chairman, and they will tell you how much revenue has surged under President Tinubu. There is now more money to do more that benefits the people,” Sanwo-Olu said.

The governor attributed the increase to deliberate reforms introduced by the Tinubu administration to empower subnational governments.

According to him, between 2023 and 2024, allocations to state governments rose by 62 percent, while local governments recorded a 47 percent increase. 

He also cited the reviewed Value Added Tax (VAT) structure, which now allocates 55 percent to states, 35 percent to local governments, and 10 percent to the federal government — a shift he described as “a bold move to bring governance closer to the people.”

“This is another courageous step by the President to ensure that every level of government has the resources to deliver for its people,” he added.

Sanwo-Olu further commended President Tinubu’s unwavering advocacy for local government autonomy, recalling the recent Supreme Court judgment that secured a legal basis for council independence.

He also revealed that the President’s next major reform will focus on restructuring Nigeria’s security system through the creation of state police, which he described as “a fundamental reform long overdue.”

Quoting the President’s remarks during a meeting with Katsina leaders, Sanwo-Olu said: “The President has said it himself — he’s reviewing all aspects of security. He is committed to creating a state police system to defeat insecurity.”

The Lagos governor described Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda as a “bridge-building framework” that connects all regions of Nigeria through shared prosperity and inclusive reform.

“President Tinubu is a unifier and a reformer. His Renewed Hope Agenda is not just about politics; it is about connecting Nigeria  bridges of progress, prosperity, and national unity,” he said.

Drawing lessons from Nigeria’s founding fathers, especially Sir Ahmadu Bello, Sanwo-Olu urged leaders to prioritise long-term development built on national ideals.

“More than six decades later, the Sardauna’s message still rings true. Our duty is to build on those legacies, planting trees we may not sit under, but ensuring a better Nigeria for future generations,” he said.

Reaffirming Lagos State’s commitment to supporting the Renewed Hope Agenda.