Tinubu blames Nigeria’s development challenges on lack of long-term planning

…Assures Enugu stakeholders of stronger federal collaboration

…Mbah pledges support for President ahead of 2027

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday said Nigeria’s development and growth challenges stemmed largely from the failure of past administrations to adopt a serious long-term planning framework, particularly in financing critical infrastructure.

Speaking while hosting a delegation of Enugu State stakeholders, led by Governor Peter Mbah at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, the President noted that successive governments had attempted to fund long-term projects with short-term resources, a mismatch he said had hindered sustainable development.

“What has been the problem in the past is Nigeria trying to finance long-term projects with short-term funding. We have not embarked upon serious long-term outlook for our country,” Tinubu said.

He, however, expressed optimism that with committed and visionary leadership at subnational levels, Nigeria was now on the right trajectory toward becoming a leading nation on the African continent.

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The President commended Governor Mbah for what he described as transformative leadership in Enugu State, citing visible improvements in security, infrastructure, education, and healthcare as evidence that reforms were yielding tangible results.

“The results you have outlined are not abstract. They are evidence that reform is working, that difficult decisions are yielding real outcomes, and that Nigeria is moving forward,” he said.

Tinubu assured the delegation of continued collaboration between the federal and subnational governments to drive development, noting that key projects such as the Port Harcourt–Enugu rail line, power sector reforms, and other critical infrastructure would receive sustained attention.

He stressed the importance of collective effort across all tiers of government, urging state leaders to extend development initiatives to local governments for broader impact.

“It’s not a one-man orchestra. It’s a collective effort at the national, subnational, and local government levels. Please do more for the local governments,” the President added.

The President also acknowledged the delegation’s declaration of political support, describing it as inspiring, and reiterated his administration’s commitment to delivering on its promises to Nigerians.

According to him, the vision of a prosperous Nigeria is achievable through sustained focus and unity of purpose, despite criticisms and political opposition.

“Democracy will survive despite all the intimidations. Stay focused. When you are succeeding and they are angry, leave them in their corner,” he advised.

Earlier, Governor Mbah said the visit was to express appreciation for federal government interventions in Enugu State and to reaffirm the state’s support for Tinubu’s administration.

The governor highlighted several federal projects and policies impacting the state, including the concessioning of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, the establishment of the South East Development Commission, and ongoing road and rail infrastructure projects.

He noted that the reconstruction of over 100 kilometres of the Enugu–Port Harcourt expressway and progress on the Enugu–Onitsha road had significantly improved connectivity, while the planned completion of the Port Harcourt–Enugu rail line would further boost economic activities in the region.

Mbah also pointed to the extension of the national gas pipeline to Enugu as a major step toward unlocking the state’s energy potential and positioning it as a regional energy hub.

On governance outcomes, the governor said security incidents in the state had reduced significantly, while investments in education, healthcare, and infrastructure were transforming livelihoods.

He disclosed that Enugu’s internally generated revenue had risen sharply, enabling the state to fund large-scale development projects, including over 1,000 kilometres of roads, smart schools, healthcare centres, and agricultural initiatives.

Mbah attributed the progress to alignment between federal reforms and state-level implementation, particularly policies such as fuel subsidy removal, exchange rate unification, and fiscal reforms.

He reaffirmed the support of Enugu people for President Tinubu, declaring that the state would stand with him in the 2027 general election.

“This relationship has earned our trust and support. On that basis, we will stand proudly with you on election day in January 2027,” the governor said.

Other members of the delegation included Chief of Air staff, Air Marshal Kelvin Aneke, and his wife; former Senate President Ken Nnamani; former Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi;  former Governor Sullivan Chime; former Minister of Information, Frank Nweke Jr; Chief Jim Nwobodo; Senator Osita Ngwu; Bishop Onyia; Igwe S Asadu; Sir Osita Okechukwu; Dr Dan Sherry; Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogala; and Father Ejike Mbaka, among others.