Tinubu to Governors: Stop Building Flyovers Where They’re Not Needed

President Bola Tinubu has called on state governors to prioritise the construction of road networks over “unnecessary” flyovers, saying improved federal allocations should be invested in projects that enhance economic development, ease transportation and strengthen security.

Speaking on Thursday while receiving a delegation of Oyo State traditional rulers led by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Tinubu said states are now receiving four to five times more from the Federation Account than in previous years.

He urged governors to use the increased revenue to improve road infrastructure and open up rural communities rather than embark on expensive flyover projects in areas with little traffic.

“They are taking four to five times their money. Nobody is borrowing money to pay salaries now. Pensioners are receiving their pay. They should do more instead of building flyovers where there is no significant traffic. Build roads and arterial networks that will improve the quality of life and enable security agencies to access remote communities,” the President said.

Tinubu also disclosed that terrorists who abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State demanded ransom as well as the release of detained members of their group. He said the Federal Government rejected the demands, maintaining its policy of refusing to negotiate with terrorists or pay ransom.

According to the President, the successful rescue of the victims after 56 days in captivity was made possible through coordinated military operations and intelligence gathering.

He revealed that his administration’s decision to expand the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions was informed by lessons from the Oriire abduction, noting that the move would improve response time and strengthen the country’s capacity to combat terrorism and banditry.

Tinubu also reiterated his commitment to establishing state police with safeguards to prevent abuse, while stressing that traditional rulers would play a critical role in supporting the new security architecture.

He attributed Nigeria’s worsening security challenges partly to instability in neighbouring Sahel countries, including Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger Republic, saying the government would continue to strengthen forest guards and other security measures to tackle cross-border threats.

The delegation of Oyo traditional rulers visited the President to congratulate him on the rescue of the abducted schoolchildren and teachers and to commend the efforts of the armed forces in securing their release.