Stop building unnecessary flyovers – Tinubu tells Alia, Okpebholo, other governors

President Bola Tinubu has urged governors, including those of Benue and Edo states, Hyacinth Alia and Monday Okpebholo, to stop constructing unnecessary flyovers and other “white elephant” projects, asking them instead to channel increased state revenues into roads and security-critical infrastructure.

The President made the call on Thursday while receiving traditional rulers from Oyo State, led by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, during a courtesy visit to the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Tinubu said the fiscal reforms introduced by his administration have significantly increased allocations to states, stressing that governors should invest the funds in projects that directly improve the lives of citizens rather than prestige projects with limited public value.

According to him, extending road networks to underserved communities will stimulate economic activities while enabling security agencies to respond more quickly to emergencies and security threats.

“The money going to the states today is four to five times what they used to receive. Nobody is borrowing to pay salaries anymore, and pensioners are receiving their entitlements,” he said.

“You should help us communicate to these governors. Instead of building flyovers where there is no significant traffic, build roads and arterial networks that improve access, enhance quality of life and enable security agencies to reach vulnerable communities quickly.”

The President said infrastructure planning should prioritise the needs of the people and national security, noting that accessible road networks are critical to the rapid deployment of security personnel and essential services.

Tinubu also disclosed that the Federal Government is expanding the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions, strengthening the Forest Guard, and working towards the establishment of state police with constitutional safeguards to improve security across the country.

Speaking on the recent abduction of pupils in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, the President said his administration refused to negotiate with the kidnappers or pay ransom despite pressure.

He explained that some of the abductors demanded the release of detained gang members in addition to ransom payments.

“We refused to pay ransom. We have the geography of the forest and, in answer to it, we are moving from eight divisions to 12 to shorten response times and give our forces the teeth needed to defeat terrorism and banditry,” he said.

Tinubu further disclosed that intelligence gathered by security agencies indicated that some of the criminal elements involved in the kidnapping were not Nigerians, linking the country’s security challenges to instability in neighbouring Sahel countries.

He added that the Forest Guard would be strengthened to pursue criminals operating in forests, while urging citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious persons in their communities.

The President also reiterated his support for state police, assuring Nigerians that adequate safeguards would be put in place to prevent abuse of the system, while traditional rulers would be assigned defined roles in maintaining security.

Earlier, the Olubadan of Ibadanland commended Tinubu for the Federal Government’s response to the recent kidnappings in Oyo State, describing the refusal to pay ransom as a demonstration of the government’s resolve to tackle insecurity.