’99 Governors Urge Tinubu to Prioritise Jobs Over Palliatives Propose Cottage Industries as Long-Term Economic Fix
By Ekanem Asuquo
ABUJA – Former governors who served between 1999 and 2007 have advised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to abandon the current overreliance on palliative measures and instead pursue long-term strategies such as the establishment of cottage industries to address rising unemployment and economic hardship across Nigeria.
The advice came during a courtesy visit to the president at the Presidential Villa on Friday, where the ex-governors, led by former Edo State Governor Chief Lucky Igbinedion, said their interaction was both a reunion and a moment of reflection on the state of the nation.
In a post-meeting media briefing, Igbinedion explained that the delegation raised concerns about worsening insecurity, inflation, and unemployment, particularly in rural areas. He noted that while palliatives may offer short-term relief, they are ultimately unsustainable.
“We came to reconnect with one of our own and to share our honest thoughts about the state of the country,” Igbinedion said. “We told the president that Nigeria needs sustainable solutions, not just handouts.”
The group urged the federal government to consider establishing small-scale, labour-intensive industries in each of Nigeria’s 774 local government areas as a way to stimulate job creation, empower rural communities, and reduce insecurity through economic engagement.
“If someone receives ₦5,000 today, what happens the next day?” Igbinedion queried. “Rather than feeding people occasionally, we must empower them through productive ventures that create income.”
The former governors in attendance included James Ibori (Delta), Donald Duke (Cross River), Niyi Adebayo (Ekiti), Joshua Dariye (Plateau), Adamu Muazu (Bauchi), Victor Attah (Akwa Ibom), Sam Egwu (Ebonyi), Adamu Aliero (Kebbi), Jolly Nyame (Taraba), Boni Haruna (Adamawa), and Saminu Turaki (Jigawa). The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, also attended as a member of the Class of ’99.
Beyond economic reforms, the former governors stressed the inseparable link between security and development.
“Without peace and security, no meaningful investment can thrive,” Igbinedion added. “Even the smallest businesses need a safe environment to flourish.”
President Tinubu, who himself was Lagos State Governor during the same period, was said to have received the delegation warmly, affirming that his administration was open to ideas and collaboration.
“He expressed deep appreciation for our visit and said his doors remain open to more of such engagements,” the former Edo governor stated.
The visit comes amid growing criticism of the federal government’s palliative initiatives, which include conditional cash transfers and food distribution. Critics say such interventions, while noble, fail to address the root causes of economic instability.
The ’99 Governors’ call for structural economic solutions resonates with wider public sentiment that Nigeria must transition from short-term relief to long-term recovery through localised economic empowerment.
Whether the proposals result in concrete policy shifts remains to be seen. But the former governors say their message is clear: lasting progress begins with sustainable jobs, not handouts.
