Tinubu pushes long-term planning agenda, cites past policy gaps as Nigeria’s growth drag
pannigeriannews
2 min read
President Bola Tinubu has renewed calls for a shift toward long-term national planning, blaming Nigeria’s slow development on decades of short-term policy approaches by previous administrations.
Speaking on Tuesday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja while receiving a delegation of Enugu stakeholders led by Governor Peter Mbah, the president said a persistent mismatch between long-term projects and short-term financing had stalled sustainable growth.
According to him, Nigeria’s development setbacks stem largely from the absence of a coherent, forward-looking framework to guide investments and infrastructure delivery.
“What has been the problem in the past is Nigeria trying to finance long-term projects with short-term funding,” Tinubu said.
He added that the country must now embrace a more strategic outlook.
Despite the challenges, the President expressed optimism that ongoing reforms and stronger leadership at the state level would reposition Nigeria for growth.
He pointed to developments in Enugu State as a model, commending Mbah’s administration for improvements in security, infrastructure, education and healthcare.
“The results you have outlined are not abstract. They are evidence that reform is working and that difficult decisions are yielding real outcomes,” he said.
Tinubu also reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to collaborative development, highlighting key infrastructure projects such as the Port Harcourt–Enugu rail line and ongoing power sector reforms as priorities that would receive sustained attention.
He stressed that national progress requires coordination across all tiers of government, urging state leaders to extend reforms to local councils for wider impact.
“It’s not a one-man orchestra. It’s a collective effort at the national, subnational and local government levels,” the president added.
Earlier, Mbah said the delegation’s visit was to acknowledge federal interventions in Enugu and to reaffirm support for the Tinubu administration.
He cited projects including the concessioning of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport and the establishment of the South East Development Commission as key milestones.
The governor noted that road and rail developments, particularly along the Enugu, Port Harcourt and Enugu, Onitsha corridors, were already improving connectivity and boosting economic activity.
He added that security had improved significantly in the state, while ongoing investments in social infrastructure were enhancing livelihoods.
Mbah also pledged continued political support for Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The delegation included notable figures such as Ken Nnamani, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Sullivan Chime, Jim Nwobodo and Ejike Mbaka.
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