Why I can’t implement Lagos’ transformation agenda nationwide — Tinubu

Bola Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress’s presidential candidate, has claimed that Nigeria’s complexity makes it difficult to replicate his transformative agenda outside of Lagos.

In order to ensure that the government runs smoothly, the former governor of Lagos State also declared that he would permit power devolution.

In an opinion piece that he published in The Economist on Wednesday, Tinubu made this point clear. “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,” Tinubu stated, while recounting his achievements as a two-term governor of Lagos.

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Further, Tinubu claimed that the nation’s excessive reliance on oil had hampered its development.
Nigeria’s development has been hampered by an overreliance on oil. A nation with a population of more than 200 million cannot base its development on a single good. Given that Nigeria is already the most popular African country in which to invest in startups, we must concentrate on industrialization and technological innovation, he said.

The APC candidate also reaffirmed his support for eliminating fuel subsidies, which he believes to be “harmful.”
The harmful fuel subsidy, which is estimated to have cost $7.5 billion in the first half of 2023, will be eliminated, he continued. The money will be put to better use by being invested in jointly with the private sector to build infrastructure, improve healthcare, improve education, and expand agriculture.

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Nigeria has one of the lowest tax to GDP ratios in the world. Instead of raising rates, we should overhaul the system and use information technology to increase compliance. A positive feedback loop of support from businesses and citizens will strengthen the social contract and put federal revenues on a more sustainable footing when coupled with efficient public service delivery and infrastructure development.