By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has stated that under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, no state governor or local government chairman can legitimately complain of inadequate funding, as federal allocations to subnational governments have seen significant increases aimed at driving development.
According to The Punch, the governor spoke on Tuesday during a one-day public lecture organised by the Arewa Think Tank to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary at the Arewa House, Kaduna, Kaduna State.
The lecture, themed “65th Year of Nigeria’s Independence: The Journey So Far with the Renewed Hope Agenda in View,” convened political leaders, academics, youth groups, and development stakeholders to evaluate the nation’s progress and the prospects under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
In his keynote address, Sanwo-Olu praised Nigerians for their resilience and optimism despite decades of challenges, noting that Tinubu’s fiscal reforms have transformed the financial position of states and local governments.
“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,” he said.
The governor attributed this improved fiscal outlook to deliberate policy reforms by the Tinubu administration, particularly measures aimed at strengthening federalism and empowering states and local councils. According to him, allocations to state governments rose by about 62 percent between 2023 and 2024, while local governments recorded a 47 percent increase. He also commended new tax reforms, which reduced the Federal Government’s share of Value Added Tax (VAT) from 15 percent to 10 percent, giving states 55 percent and local governments 35 percent.
“This is another bold step by the President to ensure that governance is closer to the people,” Sanwo-Olu added.
He also lauded President Tinubu’s persistent advocacy for local government financial autonomy, recalling the Federal Government’s recent Supreme Court victory that secured a historic legal basis for local council independence.
The governor further disclosed that the administration’s next major reform focus is restructuring the nation’s security architecture through the creation of state police, a policy he described as “long overdue and fundamental.” Quoting Tinubu’s recent remarks to Katsina leaders, Sanwo-Olu said: “I am reviewing all aspects of security. I have to create a State Police. We are looking at that holistically. We will defeat insecurity.”
Describing the Renewed Hope Agenda as a “bridge-building framework,” he explained that it aims to unite Nigeria’s diverse regions through equity, reform, and inclusive growth.
“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 stated.
Reflecting on the legacy of Nigeria’s founding fathers, particularly the late Sir Ahmadu Bello, Sanwo-Olu emphasised that sustainable development must be homegrown and context-specific.
“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.
Reaffirming Lagos State’s dedication to working with the Federal Government to advance the Renewed Hope Agenda, the governor concluded: “The task ahead is immense, but together, guided by unity and purpose, we will achieve it.”