President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on state governors to take the helm in propelling Nigeria’s agricultural transformation, highlighting the crucial role they play in local development and national economic stability.

During a New Year visit from Vice President Kashim Shettima and members of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) at his Lagos residence, the President stressed the need for a united approach between federal and state governments to tackle vital challenges such as food security, local government empowerment, and overall economic growth.

In his address, Tinubu referred to the governors as the “most important link” to Nigeria’s prosperity. He explained that while the federal government allocates only 30-35% of the nation’s revenue, the bulk of it comes from the states, underscoring the vital role governors play in the agricultural value chain. “You own the land, and the job is in your hands,” he emphasized, urging governors to prioritize agricultural productivity as the foundation for economic stability and growth.

President Tinubu also tackled rumors surrounding disagreements over local government autonomy, reaffirming his commitment to supporting grassroots development. He assured the governors that their powers would not be taken away but emphasized the importance of collaboration to ensure impactful local governance.

In his remarks, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, Chairman of the NGF and Governor of Kwara State, lauded the President’s agricultural policies, citing successes such as increased harvests and efforts to strengthen food security. He encouraged fellow governors to continue enhancing agricultural outputs and to store surplus produce in silos for the future.

Tinubu expressed pride in the progress made across various states and urged governors to sustain their developmental efforts. He assured them of continued federal support and stressed that a collective effort would lead to Nigeria’s prosperity.

Looking ahead, the President is set to visit Enugu State on January 4 as part of his tour to further foster collaboration and witness developments firsthand across the federation.

This announcement is part of Tinubu’s broader strategy to revitalize Nigeria’s agricultural sector, paving the way for greater economic self-sufficiency and security.