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Viability of States in Nigeria should be our next focus

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Viability of States in Nigeria should be our next focus-

Viability of States in Nigeria should be our next focus-

Dr. Kayode Akinsola

 

 

 

Kayode Akinsola is Doctor of Business Laws and Corporate Governance, he speaks with our correspondent and task President Tinubu on a path to chart in revamping the Nigeria Economy.

 

1. There is a new political dawn and this time calls for more concerted efforts in the areas of generation of IGR, especially by State governments ,what is your suggestions on how this can be achieved ?

Akinsola: Without being economical with the truth, only four States in Nigeria can survive within six months with a recourse to the monthly federal allocation. In actual fact, some states in Nigeria cannot two months salaries and overhead of their monthly dues in their respective states. This has not only made the state Governors indolent, but less creative from looking inward as to the abundance of what could empower their financial independence. You will recall that former President Obasanjo refused to disburse the monthly allocation of the Lagos for several months, how many states could weather such storm? My suggestion on how their viability could be achieved is that the individual state must have their investment arm, which should be apolitical, such agency must be accorded with a status of common patrimony. Equally, there is no state in Nigeria with no natural or Human Resources, how to generate funds through these funnels should be considered to make their states buoyant and have more abundance of resources.

 

Viability of States in Nigeria should be our next focus-

 

 

2. The new Electiricity Generation and distribution Law signed into Law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu us another policy that guarantees the capacity of the states to enhance the capacity of small and medium scale businesses ad well as industrial concerns, how do you think this will translate to goodies for Nigerians?

Akinsola: Without mining words, it very difficult to survive in we had continued on the old order. The Generation and easy Distribution of power is a good step in the right direction that was made by President Tinubu, and this should be embraced by the State Governors. The privatization and deregulation in the power sector started under the leadership of former President Obasanjo, and beyond the purchase of the National Electricity Power Authority (NEPA) or Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), the Capitalists in conjunction with States should tap into the new Laws in making electricity available to the SMEs, thus it is good development.

3. The need to increase the minimum wage for workers to cater for the shortfall of expenses for the minimum wage has been one if the raging issues in recent times do you think some states would be able to muscle up the capacity to pay what would be regarded as living wage ?

Akinsola: Truthfully, majority of the State governments cannot afford the minimum wage being demanded by the Labour congress, but when the workers too take a cursory look on what the political office holders are earning as emoluments, it is natural for them to agitate. The end point of all these increment is inflation, and this has started growing by the day.

4 What is your assessment of the current IGR projections for states and what should be done to jump-start things ?

Akinsola: Majority of the States are not generating enough IGR, atimes they inflate their IGR and one wonders the reason for their inability to meet up with their financial obligations. Beyond the Federal Allocation and State Taxes, there are other mechanisms that could be set in motion to increase the IGR of each state, depending on their potential and peculiarities.

5. Apart from electricity which is the most popular , what other way can the Federal government be enjoined to release more powers to states in order to be more viable?

Akinsola: Majority of the powers that are resident in the exclusive list in our constitution today, ought to have been relinquished to the State Governments. Items like Mining, Waterways and major taxes. By doing this, the state governments will have more earning capacity.

6. What are the factors that determine the economic viability of states ?

Akinsola: There are many of them, but I will mention just few. The business environment and governmental policies of each state are determining factors, other variables are availability of Skilled and unskilled workers, infrastructures within the state, natural resources and access to capital.

7. What is your opinion about the free flow of the naira which is a new policy of the Federal government through the CBN?

Akinsola: Though, it looks like a wrong policy, it remains one of the best decisions ever made by President Tinubu lately. With the free flow, many fiscal uncertainties will reduced, exporters will now earn more money on their exports, which in effect aids our GDP and brings deflation. Diaspora remittance as well as moping up of excess liquidity of Naira in our system.

For me, it would also boost the revenue of the government through additional remittances of the exchange rate and excess to the federation account by the Central Bank of Nigeria. The goodies in some of these policies will be felt in less than a year, not immediately.

8. How should the fuel subsidy accrual be managed to ensure that everyone benefits ?

Akinsola: Everyone cannot benefit from the proceeds of Subsidy instantly. Nigeria as a Nation has been servicing debts over the years, and one advantage of its removal (subsidy) is that it will lower our debt burdens. With such, we can then begin to further create enabling environments that aids foreign investment, job creation among others.

9. Do you support restructuring and in what form?

Akinsola: People have come to argue that Changing or suspending the current Constitution is the only panacea to restructuring, and I have consistently differ on this. If the President and State Governors could put few policies in place, I am sure the restructuring would take place immediately. We all know that the majority of budget goes to recurrent expenditure and we import more than we export among other issues. I am of a great conviction that the viability and sustainability of each state will surely berth a new wave of restructuring.

 

10. Who is Barrister Kayode Akinsola ?

Dr. Kayode Akinsola is the founding Partner of Queens Attorneys and teaches Law at the Chrisland University in Ogun State.

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APC Group Endorses Fubara for 2027, Calls on Tinubu and APC to Prioritise Performance Over Politics in Backing Governor’s Second Term Ambition

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*APC Group Endorses Fubara for 2027, Calls on Tinubu and APC to Prioritise Performance Over Politics in Backing Governor’s Second Term Ambition*

 

The APC National Vanguard has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to support a second term in office for Siminalayi Fubara, citing what it described as “impressive and verifiable developmental strides” across Rivers State.

In a statement issued on Thursday by its National President, Dr Gbenga Salam (JP), the group said its position followed an extensive assessment tour of key infrastructure and public service projects executed under the Fubara administration.

The APC National Vanguard said the appeal was based strictly on performance, arguing that governance outcomes should outweigh partisan considerations, particularly in a state as economically significant as Rivers.

“We respectfully urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the leadership of the All Progressives Congress to support the continuity of Governor Siminalayi Fubara beyond his current tenure, in recognition of his commitment to development, prudent resource management, and people-focused governance,” the statement read.

According to the group, its delegation visited multiple project sites across the state, observing ongoing and completed works spanning road construction, urban renewal, and public infrastructure upgrades.

It noted that the scale and distribution of these projects reflect a deliberate effort by the state government to extend development beyond traditional urban centres and into underserved communities.

“Our findings from the tour reveal a government that is not only active but intentional in its development agenda. The execution of capital projects across various parts of Rivers State demonstrates a clear understanding of the needs of the people and a commitment to addressing them,” Dr Salam said.

The group particularly commended what it described as prudent financial management by the administration, noting that the projects reviewed showed evidence of careful planning and efficient allocation of resources.

“At a time when economic pressures are evident across the country, it is commendable that the Rivers State government has managed its resources in a way that delivers visible and impactful development without signs of fiscal recklessness,” the statement added.

The APC National Vanguard further observed that despite political tensions in the state, the Fubara administration has maintained focus on governance, ensuring continuity in project execution and service delivery.

The group argued that such stability is critical for sustained development and should be encouraged rather than disrupted.

“Leadership must ultimately be judged by results. In Rivers State, there is clear evidence of progress—projects that are not only announced but executed, and policies that translate into real benefits for citizens,” Dr Salam noted.

The group warned that discontinuity in leadership could stall ongoing projects and reverse gains already recorded, stressing the importance of allowing a performing administration to consolidate its achievements.

“Rivers State is at a pivotal stage where continuity will allow for the completion of ongoing initiatives and the deepening of development gains. Supporting Governor Fubara for a second term is, therefore, a decision in the best interest of the people,” the statement said.

In addition to its call on the APC leadership, the group reaffirmed its support for President Tinubu, expressing confidence in his administration’s broader economic and governance reforms.

The APC group urged Nigerians to remain supportive of efforts aimed at stabilising the economy and strengthening public institutions.

“We reiterate our endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in office, in recognition of his leadership and commitment to national development. With sustained support, the administration can consolidate its reform agenda for the benefit of all Nigerians,” Dr Salam added.

The APC National Vanguard concluded by calling on political actors to prioritise development and public interest over partisan divides, insisting that governance should always be guided by performance and accountability.

“Where leadership demonstrates prudence, delivers development, and remains focused on the welfare of the people, it deserves continuity. This is the position we have reached after a careful and independent assessment of Rivers State,” the statement added.

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Renewed Hope Ambassadors Shift to Grassroots Mobilisation Ahead of 2027

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Renewed Hope Ambassadors Shift to Grassroots Mobilisation Ahead of 2027

*Renewed Hope Ambassadors Step Into the Next Phase

 

Fresh from the successful APC 2026 National Convention, the Renewed Hope Ambassadors National, Zonal, and State leadership gathered in Abuja over the weekend, for its fourth strategic meeting, setting the tone for nationwide grassroots activation ahead of 2027.

Chaired by Governor Hope Uzodinma (Imo State) the Director General and National Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, alongside Deputy Director-General, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State, and Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State as Secretary, the session reinforced one clear direction: One Party. One Message. One Mobilization whilst also laying out a strategic roadmap for the activation of the network across all communities in Nigeria.

Backed by the strength of 31 APC-led states, the Renewed Hope Agenda is taking Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s message of progress and reform to every corner of Nigeria.

From bold economic restructuring to initiatives like NELFUND, the increase in the national minimum wage from ₦30,000 to ₦70,000, and strategic investments in critical sectors, including PNiCGI, the mission remains clear: helping Nigerians understand both the purpose and the progress of the Renewed Hope vision.

This is coordination at scale. This is grassroots engagement with purpose. This is the next phase of Renewed Hope with One Party, One Message, and One Mobilisation framework

#RenewedHopeAmbassadors #APC #WeAreAPC

 

Renewed Hope Ambassadors Shift to Grassroots Mobilisation Ahead of 2027

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Governor Bago Inaugurates APC Digital Media Sub-Committee Ahead of National Convention

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Governor Bago Inaugurates APC Digital Media Sub-Committee Ahead of National Convention.

 

Governor Umaru Bago has inaugurated the Digital Media Sub-Committee for the forthcoming National Convention of the All Progressives Congress (APC), scheduled to hold on March 27 and 28, 2026 in Abuja.

 

Chairing the sub-committee, Governor Bago tasked members with the responsibility of effectively communicating the party’s manifesto to the public.

 

He emphasized the need to leverage social media platforms to highlight the achievements and ongoing efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that communication gaps have posed challenges that must now be decisively addressed.

 

The Co-Chair of the sub-committee, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, echoed the Governor’s position, urging members to project the activities of both the party and the government to a broader audience.

 

He called for a deliberate and coordinated effort to showcase the party’s achievements and policy direction, stressing the importance of shaping a compelling and consistent narrative across all digital platforms.

 

Delivering a presentation to the committee, Otega Ogra, SSA to the President on New Media, who serves as Secretary of the sub-committee, outlined strategic focus areas to guide the team’s operations.

 

His presentation highlighted communication priorities and actionable steps to achieve the committee’s mandate and strengthen the party’s digital engagement.

 

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