Tinubu Urges Media to Hold States, LGs Accountable Like His Administration

Susan Abayomi

President Bola Tinubu has urged Nigerian media outlets to hold state and local governments accountable, just like they do with his administration. He believes this is crucial now that states and local governments have greater financial autonomy under his reforms. Tinubu made this call while hosting media executives and proprietors at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, emphasizing that the way local governments use their funds is now in the media’s hands.

The President highlighted that his administration has implemented reforms that have strengthened federalism, ensuring local governments receive their allocations directly. He pointed out that no state in Nigeria is currently borrowing to pay workers’ salaries, attributing this to the fiscal and economic reforms undertaken by his government.

Tinubu also defended his policy decisions, including the removal of petrol subsidies, saying tough choices were necessary to save Nigeria from economic collapse. He acknowledged the media’s relentless criticism but appreciated their role in challenging him to perform better.

The media’s scrutiny is seen as vital in ensuring accountability at all tiers of governance. Tinubu’s administration has increased allocations to states and local governments through improved revenue collection and direct payments, following a Supreme Court judgment granting fiscal autonomy to local governments.

The President’s reforms have been backed by the Senate, which sees them as laying the foundation for long-term stability, inclusive growth, and shared prosperity. Key areas of reform include exchange rate unification, deregulation of the downstream petroleum sector, tax system overhaul, and public finance restructuring.