Lagos State Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu has stated that under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, no state governor or local government chairman can complain about a lack of funding for project implementation and execution.

According to him, federal allocations to subnational governments have increased significantly, enabling them to meet their developmental responsibilities.

Governor Sanwo-Olu stated this on Tuesday, while hosting a one-day public lecture organised by Arewa Think Tank (ATT) to commemorate Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary, held at the Arewa House, Kaduna.

The event, themed “65th Year of Nigeria’s Independence: The Journey So Far with the Renewed Hope Agenda in View,” brought together political leaders, academics, youths, and stakeholders from various sectors to reflect on Nigeria’s national progress and prospects under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

In his keynote address, Governor Sanwo-Olu praised the resilience of Nigerians since independence, acknowledging that while the country has faced several challenges, it has also demonstrated an enduring capacity for growth, reform, and unity.

“Today, that story has changed. Ask any state governor or local government chairman, and they will tell you just how much revenue has surged under the watch of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. There is now more money to do more that benefits the people of Nigeria,” Sanwo-Olu said.

The governor attributed the improvement in fiscal conditions to deliberate policy reforms initiated by President Tinubu, particularly those aimed at strengthening federalism and empowering the states and local governments.

According to him, between 2023 and 2024, federal allocations to state governments increased by about 62 per cent, while allocations to local governments rose by 47 per cent. He added that the recently enacted tax reforms, which reduced the Federal Government’s share of Value Added Tax (VAT) from 15 per cent to 10 per cent, further demonstrated the President’s commitment to fiscal decentralisation and grassroots development.

“With the new tax laws, states now get 55 per cent of VAT while local governments receive 35 per cent. This is another bold step by the President to ensure that governance is closer to the people,” he noted.

Sanwo-Olu also commended President Tinubu’s unwavering push for local government financial autonomy, recalling the administration’s victory at the Supreme Court, which secured historic legal backing for that autonomy.

He said the President’s next major reform focus is restructuring Nigeria’s security architecture through the creation of State Police, an initiative he described as “long overdue and fundamental.”

Citing President Tinubu’s recent statement during a meeting with Katsina leaders, Sanwo-Olu quoted, “I am reviewing all aspects of security. I have to create a State Police. We are looking at that holistically. We will defeat insecurity.”

The Lagos governor described the Renewed Hope Agenda as a framework for building bridges, aimed at uniting Nigeria’s diverse regions through equity, reform, and inclusive development.

“President Tinubu is a veteran unifier and a bridge-builder. His Renewed Hope Agenda is about connecting Nigeria, bridges of reform, of prosperity, and of national unity,” he said.

Drawing inspiration from the leadership ideals of Nigeria’s founding fathers, especially the late Sir Ahmadu Bello, Sanwo-Olu emphasised that true development must be homegrown and specific.

He urged leaders to continue learning from the successes and lessons learned from past shortcomings.

“More than six decades later, the Sardauna’s words still ring true. Our duty is to build on those legacies, planting trees we may not sit under, but ensuring a better Nigeria for future generations,” he said.

“We will continue to affirm that Nigeria is a proudly multi-ethnic, multi-religious, and multicultural country. What binds us together is far stronger than what divides us. We shall overcome every challenge, poverty, hunger, and terrorism,” he declared.

Governor Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed Lagos State’s continued partnership with the Federal Government to actualise the Renewed Hope Agenda and build a prosperous, inclusive, and resilient Nigeria, adding, “The task ahead is immense, but together, guided by unity and purpose, we will achieve it”.