States Have More Funds for Development Under Tinubu – Senator Babangida

The Senator representing Jigawa North West, Senator Hussaini Babangida, has said that states across the country now have greater financial resources to address development needs, following economic reforms introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

Speaking during an interview, Babangida said the reforms implemented by the Federal Government are gradually stabilising the nation’s economy and strengthening the financial capacity of states and local governments.

According to the lawmaker, concerns about Nigeria sliding into a one-party state are misplaced, noting that the country’s diverse and pluralistic nature makes such fears unrealistic.

He explained that the Tinubu administration is focused on repositioning the economy through wide-ranging macroeconomic and microeconomic reforms, adding that Nigerians are beginning to see the impact of those policies.

Babangida noted that in the past, the funds released to states for socio-economic development were relatively small despite the huge responsibilities placed on state and local governments.

However, he said the current administration has significantly increased the financial allocations to states, thereby expanding their ability to undertake development projects and meet governance obligations.

“States now have more resources to work with. The administration has not only increased what states receive but has also improved their revenue base,” he said.

The senator also pointed to improvements in key economic indicators, citing figures from the National Bureau of Statistics which, he said, show that inflation has declined compared to the levels recorded when the administration assumed office in 2023.

He explained that headline inflation, which stood at about 34 per cent at the time, has dropped to around 18 to 19 per cent, while food inflation has also moderated.

Responding to concerns that improvements in the macroeconomy have not yet translated into relief for ordinary Nigerians, Babangida said economic reforms often take time before their full benefits are felt at the grassroots level.

He acknowledged that there are challenges but described them as temporary, adding that the reforms would eventually deliver long-term benefits to citizens.

“The economy is gradually stabilising and the gains will cascade down to the microeconomic level,” he said, urging Nigerians to remain patient.

On political developments ahead of future elections, Babangida said political parties are capable of managing internal differences and balancing competing interests among members.

He dismissed worries about possible defections during party primaries, noting that political contests often attract different aspirants for various reasons, including testing popularity and offering service.

When asked about his own political plans for the 2027 elections, the senator declined to make any definitive declaration, saying his immediate focus is on providing effective representation for his constituents in the Senate.

“I am focused on the work I am doing now and ensuring I leave a lasting legacy for my people,” he said.

Babangida also commented on rising tensions involving Iran, Israel and the United States, warning that the situation could have serious implications for the global economy, particularly in the energy sector.

He noted that the countries involved control a significant portion of global energy supply, adding that disruptions in the region could lead to increased fuel prices and higher transportation costs.

According to him, the ripple effect of such developments could also impact food prices and the cost of living.

The senator, however, expressed hope that diplomatic engagement would prevail, urging the parties involved to resolve their differences through dialogue rather than conflict.