President Bola Tinubu has urged the Nigerian media to extend scrutiny beyond the federal government and hold state and local governments accountable for how they spend their allocations.
Tinubu made the call on Friday during an interfaith breaking of fast with media proprietors and executives at the State House in Abuja.
The president said the media should pay closer attention to how funds distributed from the federation account are utilised at sub-national levels.
According to him, recent economic reforms implemented by his administration — particularly the removal of the petrol subsidy — have significantly increased the funds available to states and local governments.
“We have opened up the principle of federalism to the extent that local governments are now getting their money,” Tinubu said.
“But how they use it is in your hands, so don’t bombard me alone. Look at local governments too, and equally, the sub-national.”
Tinubu: states no longer borrowing for salaries
Tinubu said the improved revenue situation means states are no longer borrowing simply to pay workers’ salaries.
“Today, there is no state that is borrowing to pay the salaries of employees,” he said.
While acknowledging that some Nigerians still believe resources are insufficient, the president stressed that governments must manage available funds responsibly.
“Yes, we can complain that it is not enough. We can complain we are not where we should be, but we have to manage what we have to sustain today, survive tomorrow, and make progress,” he added.
President praises media scrutiny
Tinubu also commended the media for maintaining critical coverage of his administration, noting that such scrutiny motivates leaders to perform better.
“You didn’t spare me, but you challenged me, provoked that intellectual curiosity of a leader that must perform,” he said.
The president revealed that he reads newspapers every day to keep up with public discourse and media coverage.
“There is no morning that I ever leave my house without going through the newspapers. It’s an addiction,” Tinubu said.
‘Nigeria was on the verge of bankruptcy’
Tinubu defended the removal of the fuel subsidy, describing it as a necessary step taken at a critical moment for the country.
“Leadership is about taking responsibility to make decisions at the right time. Otherwise, it’s a failure,” he said.
“At the time, we had to confront the subsidy. Nigeria was on the verge of bankruptcy.”
He added that his administration would continue working to stabilise the economy and move the country forward.
“Having asked for the job and getting it, I cannot look back other than make corrections as I move along, save the nation, bring it back from the brink,” the president said.
“Today, I can stand proudly before you that we are back from that brink.”
Tinubu reiterated that he would continue to serve Nigeria with “patriotic dedication”.
