The Confederation of All Progressives Congress Support Groups has called on the state governors not to rely on the monthly funds allocated to states by the Federation Account Allocation Committee.

The group urged them to think outside the box and harness agricultural and mineral resources to complement what they get from the federal government.

The group’s Director-General, Kailani Muhammad, who gave the advice at a news conference in Abuja, said the over-dependence on federal handouts for sustainability by state governments in Nigeria cannot ensure the development of states.

Mr Muhammad said that his concern followed the N200 billion shortfalls remitted to the states in the last FAAC meeting.

According to him, state governors need to work within the context of productivity and creativity for sustainable development of their domains.

He said, “I have said it before and will say it again: the over-dependence on federal hangouts for sustainable development by state governments in Nigeria cannot ensure development of states. The simple thing states need to do is to think outside the box and tap the abundant agricultural and mineral resources to complement what they get from the federal government.’’

The director-general also urged President Bola Tinubu to ensure successful implementation of the country’s local government financial autonomy.

He recalled that since July 11, 2024, when the Supreme Court gave a judgment on local government autonomy, nothing seemed to have changed.

He stated, “It would seem there are negative forces working behind the scenes to rubbish the Supreme Court pronouncement. These excuses coming from both sides about bureaucracy or no bureaucracy and responses from state governors are not encouraging. President Bola Tinubu should stand by his belief and resolve to ensure the successful implementation of Nigeria’s local government financial autonomy.’’ 

(NAN)