President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has blamed Nigeria’s persistent development challenges on the absence of coherent long-term planning by past administrations, arguing that short-term fiscal approaches have undermined sustainable growth.

Speaking on Tuesday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja while receiving a delegation of Enugu State stakeholders led by Governor Peter Mbah, Tinubu said previous governments often attempted to fund long-gestation projects with limited short-term resources a strategy he described as fundamentally flawed.

According to the president, the lack of a structured long-term national outlook has constrained the country’s development trajectory. He, however, expressed confidence that ongoing reforms and stronger leadership at the state level could reposition Nigeria for sustained progress.

Tinubu praised the Enugu State government for what he termed measurable progress across key sectors, including security, infrastructure, education and healthcare, noting that such outcomes demonstrate the impact of decisive policy choices.

“The results are tangible and reflect that reform-driven governance can deliver meaningful change,” he said.

Reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to collaborative development, Tinubu highlighted critical infrastructure projects such as the Port Harcourt–Enugu rail line and ongoing power sector reforms as priorities that would continue to receive attention.

He stressed that national development requires coordinated efforts across all tiers of government, urging state authorities to deepen reforms at the grassroots level to broaden impact.

“It is not the responsibility of one level of government alone. Progress depends on synergy between federal, state and local institutions,” the president added.

In his remarks, Governor Mbah said the delegation’s visit was to acknowledge federal interventions in Enugu State and reiterate support for the administration’s policies.

He cited key projects including the concession of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, the establishment of the South East Development Commission, and ongoing road and rail developments as catalysts for economic growth in the region.

Mbah noted that improvements in transport infrastructure particularly sections of the Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway and the Enugu–Onitsha road have enhanced connectivity, while the anticipated completion of the Port Harcourt–Enugu rail line is expected to further stimulate commerce.

The governor also reported a decline in security incidents and increased investments in social sectors, which he said are improving living standards across the state.

He reaffirmed the backing of Enugu stakeholders for Tinubu’s administration ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The delegation included prominent political figures such as Ken Nnamani, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Sullivan Chime, and Jim Nwobodo, among others.