The Class of 1999 former governors have advised President Bola Tinubu to focus on creating cottage industries across all local government areas in Nigeria as a sustainable solution for job creation, rather than relying on giving small palliative cash handouts of N5,000 which they argue barely sustain recipients. This counsel came during a closed-door meeting with President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Friday, July 25, 2025.
Chairman of the Class of ’99 governors and former Edo State governor, Lucky Igbinedion, pointed out that the rural population suffers most from the harsh economic realities. He stressed that a one-time or small cash palliative of N5,000 provides temporary relief but does not solve long-term poverty or unemployment. He said, “If you give palliative to somebody today, what happens tomorrow? If he has N5,000 in the morning, how about lunchtime or dinner time? What is he going to do? N5,000 cannot buy much.”
Igbinedion noted that they had a heart-to-heart discussion with the president, who acknowledged these concerns and agreed to consider their suggestions. The meeting also covered other critical issues such as national security, economic stability, and agriculture.
President Tinubu reportedly showed concern about the state of the nation and assured that he is looking into ways to create more meaningful and lasting economic opportunities, especially in rural areas. The former governors believe that empowering local cottage industries to provide employment would have a more significant impact than distributing small cash palliatives.
The Class of ’99 governors visited to engage deeply on the state of the nation and bring solutions to the forefront as colleagues of President Tinubu, who was governor of Lagos State during their tenure. They urged the administration to move beyond quick palliative handouts towards creating industries that would bring sustained economic growth and development.
READ ALSO: Peter Obi Donates N20 Million to Save UNICAL Faculty of Dentistry Students
