The President of Globe Legislators International, Mr. Sam Onuigbo, has urged state and local governments to ensure that increased public revenues translate into visible development and improved living conditions for Nigerians.
Onuigbo made the call at a news conference in Abuja while assessing the reforms and policies of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He said while attention was often focused on revenues accruing to the Federation Account, Nigerians must also demand accountability over how resources allocated to the three tiers of government were distributed and utilised.
According to him, state and local governments receive substantial allocations and must ensure that the funds are deployed to projects that directly improve the lives of the people.
The former member of the House of Representatives stressed that local governments, as the closest tier of government to the people, must be adequately empowered to drive grassroots development.
Onuigbo noted that many states were now in a stronger financial position than in previous years, with fewer states depending on bailouts to pay workers’ salaries.
He, however, said increased revenue would have little meaning unless it resulted in visible improvements, particularly in rural communities.
Onuigbo urged governors to prioritise projects that address the immediate needs of citizens and ensure that funds meant for grassroots development were properly utilised.
On the Tinubu administration’s reforms, he commended the Federal Government for what he described as significant progress in climate action, economic reforms and the fight against insecurity.
He said the President demonstrated commitment to climate action shortly after assuming office by directing government officials to pursue climate-related investments at the COP28 Climate Conference in Dubai.
According to Onuigbo, the administration has also continued implementing the Climate Change Act, recording progress in the operationalisation of the Climate Change Fund and the development of Nigeria’s carbon market framework.
He also highlighted investments in mineral processing and green industrialisation, which he said could strengthen Nigeria’s position in the emerging green economy.
On security, Onuigbo said the administration was recording successes in efforts to tackle insecurity across the country.
He particularly cited improvements in parts of the South-East, where economic and social activities, including Monday markets, had resumed in several communities.
While acknowledging that security challenges persisted in some areas, Onuigbo said the Federal Government remained focused on tackling the situation.
He called for the identification and prosecution of anyone found to be supporting or sponsoring criminal activities.
The former lawmaker expressed optimism that Nigerians would benefit more from the ongoing reforms if all levels of government embraced transparency, accountability and effective management of public resources.
