Tinubu Gives Reason Why Lagos Transformative Agenda Can’t Be Replicated In Nigeria

The presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress(APC), Bola Tinubu, has given reasons why the popular Lagos State transformative agenda can not work in Nigeria as a whole.

According to him, the Lagos transformative agenda would be difficult to replicate across the country because Nigeria is a complex state.

The former Lagos State governor said Nigeria is variated and so such can not be achieved.

Naija News gathered that the APC flag bearer, in an opinion piece he published in The Economist on Wednesday, said he would consider regional differences and devolve more powers to the states.

Tinubu said giving space to state governments would allow them to thrive and grow economically.

He noted that “We cannot simply replicate Lagos’ transformation nationwide. Nigeria is complex and variegated. Recognising the strengths of each section of the country and providing the foundations on which they can all thrive is the path to economic growth. I know what can be achieved when the Federal Government allows adequate space for regional differences, so I want to devolve more powers to the states. They should have greater authority to provide services and infrastructure projects, as well as more control over law enforcement.”

He also spoke about Nigeria’s over-dependence on oil in the piece saying “Over-reliance on oil has distorted Nigeria’s development. A country of over 200 million people cannot hinge its development on a single commodity. We must focus on industrialisation and technological innovation, especially since Nigeria is already the top African destination for startup funding.

“We will end the harmful fuel subsidy, estimated to have cost $7.5bn in the first half of 2023. The funds will be more productively used in joint investments with the private sector to create jobs in infrastructure, health care, education, and agriculture.

“Nigeria has one of the world’s lowest tax-to-GDP ratios. We need not increase rates but improve compliance by overhauling the system and deploying information technology to boost efficiency. Tied with effective delivery of public services and infrastructure, a virtuous cycle of buy-in from businesses and citizens will strengthen the social contract and place federal revenues on a more sustainable footing.”