President Bola Tinubu has pledged to enhance the fiscal autonomy of state and local governments in Nigeria as part of his “Renewed Hope Agenda.” This commitment was made during the 40th anniversary lecture of The Guardian and the public presentation of ‘The Guardian Federalist Papers’ in Lagos.
Tinubu, represented by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, announced plans to request the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) to review the current revenue allocation formula. The goal is to better distribute funds among the federal, state, and local governments, in line with his campaign promises.
Currently, the revenue sharing formula allocates 52.68 percent to the federal government, 26.72 percent to states, and 20.6 percent to local governments. Tinubu emphasized the need for states and local councils to receive more funds to effectively address developmental challenges and fulfill their obligations to the populace.
The President also urged the media to broaden their oversight role, ensuring that states and local councils use their funds judiciously. He noted an excessive focus on the federal government, with insufficient attention on state and local governance.
A believer in federalism, Tinubu reflected on his 34-year political journey, referencing Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s advocacy for federalism as the best fit for Nigeria’s diverse structure. “Federalism allows sub-national entities to develop at their own pace, free from central intrusion,” Tinubu said.
This approach, he argued, aligns with Article 2, Section 2 of the 1999 Constitution, which defines Nigeria as a federation. However, critics have often viewed the country’s governance as unitary in practice. Tinubu recalled his efforts as Lagos governor to challenge this perception and seek judicial clarity on federalism-related constitutional provisions.
The event was chaired by former Ogun State Governor, Aremo Segun Osoba, who reminisced about founding The Guardian with the late Alex Ibru in 1983. Osoba praised Ibru’s vision in changing Nigeria’s newspaper landscape.
Keynote speaker and reviewer of The Guardian Federalist Papers, Prof. Eghosa Osaghae, Director General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), highlighted the need for a federalism model tailored to Nigeria’s unique diversity. He asserted that federalism should be adaptable, not a one-size-fits-all solution.
Osaghae stressed that achieving true federalism requires more than constitutional provisions; it needs new federal instruments to empower states and reduce centralization.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by Secretary to the State Government Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, lauded The Guardian’s longstanding journalistic integrity. Similarly, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, represented by Deputy Governor Noimot Salako-Oyedele, commended the newspaper’s commitment to ethical journalism.
Lady Maiden Ibru, Chairman and Publisher of The Guardian, emphasized the paper’s principles of intellectual excellence and adherence to justice, equity, and the rule of law.
This event marked not only the celebration of The Guardian’s 40 years but also highlighted pivotal discussions on federalism and governance in Nigeria.
