President Bola Tinubu has attributed Nigeria’s persistent development and growth challenges to the failure of past administrations to adopt effective long-term planning frameworks.
Speaking on Tuesday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja while hosting a delegation of Enugu State stakeholders led by Governor Peter Mbah, the President noted that successive governments had attempted to finance long-term projects with short-term resources—a mismatch that consistently hindered sustainable development.
“What has been the problem in the past is that Nigeria has been trying to finance long-term projects with short-term funding. We have not embarked upon a serious long-term outlook for our country,” Tinubu said.
He expressed optimism that with committed and visionary leadership at the subnational level, Nigeria is on the right path to becoming a leading African nation.
The President commended Governor Mbah for what he described as transformative leadership in Enugu, citing visible improvements in security, infrastructure, education, and healthcare as evidence that reforms are yielding results.
“The results you have outlined are not abstract. They are evidence that reform is working and that difficult decisions are yielding real outcomes,” Tinubu said.
He assured the delegation of continued collaboration between the federal and state governments to drive development, adding that key projects such as the Port Harcourt–Enugu rail line, power sector reforms, and other infrastructure would receive sustained attention.
Tinubu stressed the need for collective efforts across all tiers of government: “It’s not a one-man orchestra. It’s a collective effort at the national, subnational and local government levels.” He urged state leaders to extend development initiatives to local governments for broader impact.
Earlier, Governor Mbah said the visit was aimed at appreciating the federal government’s interventions in Enugu State and reaffirming support for the Tinubu administration. He listed the concession of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, the establishment of the South East Development Commission, and ongoing road and rail projects as key interventions.
According to the governor, the reconstruction of sections of the Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway and progress on the Enugu–Onitsha road have improved connectivity. He added that the planned completion of the Port Harcourt–Enugu rail line would further boost economic activity in the region.
Mbah reported that security incidents in the state had reduced significantly, while investments in education, healthcare, and infrastructure were improving livelihoods. He also reaffirmed the support of Enugu people for President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general election.
The delegation included former Senate President Ken Nnamani, former governors Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and Sullivan Chime, Chief Jim Nwobodo, and Fr. Ejike Mbaka, among others.