President Bola Tinubu, yesterday, attributed Nigeria’s development challenges to the absence of a coherent long-term planning framework, particularly in financing critical infrastructure, while assuring stakeholders of deeper federal-state collaboration.

Speaking at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, while hosting a delegation of Enugu State stakeholders led by Governor Peter Mbah, the President said that successive administrations undermined sustainable development by funding long-term projects with short-term resources.

“What has been the problem in the past is that Nigeria has been trying to finance long-term projects with short-term funding. We have not embarked on a serious long-term outlook for our country,” Tinubu said.

Despite the challenges, the President expressed optimism that Nigeria is now on a more promising trajectory, citing emerging leadership at subnational levels as a key driver of progress.

He commended Mbah for what he described as transformative leadership in Enugu State, pointing to improvements in security, infrastructure, education and healthcare as evidence that reforms are delivering results.

“The results you have outlined are not abstract. They are evidence that reform is working, that difficult decisions are yielding real outcomes, and that Nigeria is moving forward,” he said.

Tinubu assured the delegation of sustained federal collaboration in driving development, highlighting strategic projects such as the Port Harcourt-Enugu rail line, ongoing power sector reforms and other infrastructure initiatives as priorities.

He stressed the need for synergy across all tiers of government, urging state leaders to extend development efforts to local councils for wider impact.

“It’s not a one-man orchestra. It’s a collective effort at the national, subnational and local council levels. Please do more for the local councils,” the President added.

Tinubu also acknowledged the delegation’s declaration of political support, describing it as encouraging, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to delivering on its promises under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

According to him, the vision of a prosperous Nigeria remains achievable through unity and sustained focus, despite political opposition.

“Democracy will survive despite all the intimidations. Stay focused. When you are succeeding, and they are angry, leave them in their corner,” he advised.

Earlier, Mbah said the visit was to appreciate federal interventions in Enugu State and to reaffirm the state’s support for the President.

He highlighted key federal projects impacting the state, including the concessioning of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, the establishment of the South-East Development Commission, and ongoing road and rail infrastructure projects.

The governor noted that reconstruction of over 100 kilometres of the Enugu-Port Harcourt expressway and progress on the Enugu-Onitsha road have improved connectivity, while the planned completion of the Port Harcourt-Enugu rail line will further boost economic activity.

Mbah also cited the extension of the national gas pipeline to Enugu as a major step toward unlocking the state’s energy potential and positioning it as a regional hub.

On governance outcomes, he said security incidents have declined significantly, while investments in education, healthcare and infrastructure are transforming livelihoods. He disclosed that the state’s internally generated revenue has risen sharply, enabling large-scale projects, including over 1,000 kilometres of roads, smart schools, healthcare centres and agricultural initiatives.