President Bola Tinubu has challenged state governors to translate the massive fiscal inflows from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) into visible development outcomes for Nigerians.
Speaking at the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), the President said the governors must justify the heightened revenue with tangible dividends of democracy at the grassroots.
“We need to do more. Nigerians are still complaining at the grassroots. You, the governors, have to wet the ground and give more dividends of democracy at the grassroots. We must not rest. Our people need to feel the impact of government more directly,” Tinubu said.
Huge FAAC Inflows, Heightened Expectations
In the past year, over ₦11.195 trillion was disbursed to states and local governments via FAAC — with states receiving about ₦6.492 trillion and local governments getting ₦4.704 trillion.
Such staggering figures have raised public and analytical scrutiny, with many asking whether the funds have translated into roads, health clinics, schools, reliable electricity, and basic social services.
Pressure from Citizens and Watchdogs
Civil society groups, analysts, and citizens have echoed the President’s call, demanding more accountability and results from governors.
Critics argue that despite ample resources, too many states have yet to show commensurate improvements in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and public safety.
Some have also pointed to the continued interference by state executives in local government finances, even after the Supreme Court granted local governments financial autonomy.
What Now?
Tinubu’s public admonition underscores the stakes: as revenue levels rise, governance performance must follow. The longer governors delay delivering results, the sharper the public backlash may become.
State executives now face mounting pressure to move from rhetoric to action, ensuring that citizens actually feel the benefits of the funds flowing into their domains.
