By Peace Erewunmi

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged state governors to prioritise the construction of roads and other critical infrastructure over unnecessary flyovers and what he described as “white elephant projects.” He said investments should focus on projects that directly improve the lives of citizens and strengthen national security.

The President made the remarks while receiving a delegation of traditional rulers from Oyo State, led by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, during a courtesy visit at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. He noted that improved road networks would enhance economic activities, make rural communities more accessible and enable security agencies to respond more quickly to emergencies.

Tinubu said state governments now receive significantly higher allocations following his administration’s fiscal reforms, adding that governors should channel the increased revenues into projects that deliver tangible benefits instead of prestige developments with limited public value. He stated that no state should still be borrowing to pay salaries or pensions given the current level of federal allocations.

The President stressed that infrastructure planning should be guided by the needs of the people and national security priorities. He argued that expanding road networks, particularly in underserved communities, would boost commerce, improve mobility and support ongoing efforts to tackle terrorism, banditry and other security challenges.

Tinubu also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture through measures such as the expansion of the Nigerian Army, the establishment of state police with constitutional safeguards and the enhancement of the Forest Guard to combat criminal activities across the country.