President Bola Tinubu has directed state governors to focus their budgets on essential road construction rather than expensive, low-impact vanity projects. During a meeting with Oyo State traditional leaders, led by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, the President emphasized that improved connectivity is crucial for national security and economic growth.
The President highlighted that states now receive significantly higher federal allocations, eliminating the need to borrow for salary payments. He urged leadership to channel these resources into arterial road networks that facilitate commerce and allow security forces to reach remote areas quickly. According to Tinubu, such infrastructure is vital to combating kidnapping and banditry effectively.
Addressing the recent rescue of students in Oyo State, Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s policy of refusing to pay ransom to kidnappers. He revealed that some criminals involved in the operation were not Nigerian nationals, pointing to regional instability as a factor. To counter these threats, the government is expanding the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions and strengthening forest guard capabilities.
Tinubu also signaled that the introduction of state police remains a priority, with specific constitutional guardrails being designed to prevent potential misuse. The Olubadan praised the President’s firm stance against ransom payments, describing the government’s recent success in managing the Oyo kidnapping case as a significant turning point in national security.
