RismadarVoice Reporters
July 30, 2026
President Bola Tinubu has called on state governors to prioritise the construction of roads and other critical infrastructure over flyovers and projects with limited public value, saying improved connectivity is essential for economic development and national security.
The President appealed on Thursday while receiving traditional rulers from Oyo State, led by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, during a courtesy visit to the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Tinubu said recent fiscal reforms have significantly increased allocations to states and urged governors to channel the additional resources into projects that directly improve the lives of citizens and enhance security.
According to him, expanding road networks to rural and underserved communities will stimulate economic activities, improve access to essential services and enable security agencies to respond more quickly to emergencies.
He maintained that infrastructure planning should focus on the practical needs of the people rather than expensive projects that offer limited socio-economic benefits.
The President also outlined measures being implemented by the Federal Government to strengthen national security, including plans to expand the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions, enhance the operations of forest guards and establish state police with safeguards to prevent abuse.
Tinubu said the expansion of military formations is intended to improve response times and reinforce ongoing efforts to combat terrorism, banditry and other violent crimes across the country.
Speaking on the recent abduction of pupils in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, the President said his administration refused to negotiate with the kidnappers or pay ransom, despite pressure from the criminals.
He disclosed that some of the abductors demanded the release of detained gang members in addition to ransom payments, insisting that the government would not encourage criminality through negotiations.
Tinubu also revealed that intelligence reports indicated some of those involved in the kidnapping were foreign nationals, linking the development to cross-border insecurity and instability in parts of the Sahel region.
He urged citizens to remain vigilant, cooperate with security agencies and report suspicious movements within their communities, stressing that intelligence gathering remains crucial in tackling insecurity.
The President reiterated that the proposed state police system would operate within constitutional safeguards to prevent misuse, while traditional rulers would play important roles in supporting community security.
Earlier, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, commended the Federal Government and security agencies for securing the release of the abducted pupils in Oyo State.
The monarch described the government’s refusal to pay ransom as a demonstration of resolve in confronting criminal groups and urged sustained security operations in forest corridors stretching across Oyo, Niger and Kwara states to prevent kidnappers from regrouping.
He also applauded the Tinubu administration for ongoing infrastructure projects in Oyo State, expressing optimism that the investments would contribute significantly to the state’s development.
