By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Jos
President Bola Tinubu has said his administration’s economic reforms have significantly increased federal allocations to states, enabling governors to execute development projects and meet salary obligations without relying on loans.
The President made the remarks on Saturday at the flag-off of the Babban-Lamba–Sharam Phase II Road project in Kanke Local Government Area of Plateau State. He was represented by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda.
Tinubu said improved revenues have strengthened the financial capacity of state governments, allowing them to pay workers’ salaries, gratuities and fund infrastructure projects without borrowing.
According to him, many states struggled with salary arrears before his administration took office, but increased revenue allocations have changed the situation, with states now receiving three to four times their previous allocations.
He maintained that key economic indicators, including the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and foreign reserves, reflect the positive impact of the administration’s reforms on the economy.
Speaking on the road project, the President said the Babban-Lamba–Sharam highway would link Plateau with Nasarawa, Kaduna, Gombe and Adamawa states, improve security, reduce travel time by more than 100 kilometres and boost trade and agricultural activities across the North-Central and North-East.
Minister of Works, Sen. David Umahi, said the contract, first awarded in 2018, was terminated due to delays and poor workmanship before being re-awarded for construction with reinforced concrete pavement to ensure durability.
Umahi added that the project would feature solar-powered streetlights, security cameras, observation posts and tree planting to enhance safety and environmental sustainability.
Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, commended President Tinubu for reviving the project, describing it as a major infrastructure investment that would stimulate economic growth in Plateau and neighbouring states. He also said no previous administration had undertaken comparable infrastructure projects in the state.
