The Muslim Media Watch Group of Nigeria has commended President Bola Tinubu for urging state governors to place the welfare of citizens above the execution of what it described as non-essential capital projects.
In a statement jointly signed by the National Coordinator of the group, Alhaji Ibrahim Abdullahi, and the National Secretary, Dr. Nasir Balogun, the organisation recalled that the President made the appeal while receiving traditional rulers from Oyo State, led by the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rasheed Oladoja. According to the group, the President advised governors to channel more resources toward improving the living conditions of the people rather than embarking on projects such as flyovers where they are not considered necessary.
The group described the construction of airports, flyovers and similar projects in some states as misplaced priorities, urging governors to focus on programmes that directly improve the welfare of residents. It also called on President Tinubu to direct the National Economic Council, under the leadership of Vice President Kashim Shettima, to engage state governments on issues of good governance and people-centred development.
Among its recommendations, the group urged state governments to clear outstanding entitlements owed to retirees, make public primary and secondary education tuition-free, reduce fees in state-owned tertiary institutions, revive mass transportation systems, and strengthen security arrangements to protect farmers, farmlands and communities.
The organisation noted that states have recorded increased monthly allocations from the Federation Account Allocation Committee since the removal of fuel subsidy, saying the improved revenue should translate into better welfare programmes. It also appealed to eligible voters to participate actively in future elections by voting for candidates of their choice, while commending the Federal Government and security agencies for ongoing efforts to address insecurity and calling for intensified operations against criminal groups across affected parts of the country.
