Class of ’99 Governors Urge Tinubu to Establish Cottage Industries, Reject N5,000 Palliatives
NewsOnline Nigeria reports that former governors who served alongside President Bola Tinubu between 1999 and 2007 have advised him to prioritize the creation of cottage industries across all local government areas in Nigeria as a sustainable way to tackle unemployment and poverty, rather than rely on short-term cash handouts such as the ₦5,000 palliative.
The appeal was made after a closed-door meeting with the President on Friday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
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Speaking on behalf of the group, former Edo State Governor and Chairman of the Class of ’99 Governors, Lucky Igbinedion, stressed the need for long-term economic strategies that would empower citizens, especially those in rural areas, who continue to bear the brunt of Nigeria’s economic hardships.
“We advised Mr. President to consider establishing cottage industries in all local governments, which would create jobs and foster self-reliance,” Igbinedion said.
“A ₦5,000 palliative may help today, but what happens tomorrow? It cannot sustain anyone beyond a meal or two.”
He emphasized that the first priority for national development should be security, noting that without peace and safety, economic progress and social stability would remain out of reach.
“Without security, nothing else can move forward. We also discussed stabilizing the foreign exchange rate and improving affordability for the people,” he added.
During the meeting, the ex-governors raised concerns about inflation, rural development, food security, and the rising cost of living, suggesting that sustainable economic structures—rather than temporary relief—are essential for national growth.
Reflecting on the purpose of their visit, Igbinedion said the group had come to reconnect with “one of their own” and to engage him on pressing national issues.
“We came to see our colleague, President Tinubu, and share our thoughts on the current state of the nation—especially issues around security, the economy, and agriculture,” he explained.
“The President received us warmly and assured us that he is already addressing many of these concerns. He also welcomed our input and pledged to keep the lines of communication open.”
The Class of ’99 Governors include several key political figures who governed alongside Tinubu during Nigeria’s Fourth Republic transition. Their meeting is seen as both a reunion and a strategic consultation as the administration faces growing pressure to implement reforms that will ease the economic strain on citizens.
