Deliver grassroots development, Tinubu tells LG chairmen

President Bola Tinubu addressed the chairmen of Nigeria's 774 local government areas at the inaugural Annual National Conference of Local Government Council Chairmen in Abuja. He emphasized the importance of translating his administration's Renewed Hope Agenda into tangible development at the grassroots level, stating that the true test of policy lies in the changes felt by people in their communities.

Tinubu recalled his time as Governor of Lagos State, where his administration pursued additional local councils to shorten the distance between government and the governed, ultimately leading to the creation of the 37 Local Council Development Areas.

The Federal Government has demonstrated its commitment to local government autonomy through legal action, reaffirmed by a Supreme Court judgment in July 2024. Tinubu urged local government chairmen and elected councillors to prioritize improvements in primary healthcare, basic education, rural roads, water supply, food production, and support for small businesses. He stressed the significance of the autonomy granted to local governments and the responsibility of elected officials to deliver impactful governance.

Tinubu also highlighted the need for evidence-based decision-making, technology, and reliable statistics in planning and delivering projects. He urged councils to embrace these practices and work closely with traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth and women's groups, and lawful security agencies to ensure lasting peace in their communities.

With the 2027 general elections approaching, Tinubu urged the council chairmen to promote peaceful participation and discourage violence, emphasizing the responsibility of leaders to create an atmosphere conducive to democratic exercises.