Economic Reforms Yielding Dividends – Kogi Finance Commissioner Backs Tinubu’s Reforms, Calls on Citizens to Key In
By Our Correspondent
ABUJA — The Kogi State Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Hon. Asiwaju Idris Asiru, has described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic reforms, especially the removal of fuel subsidy, as bold and necessary steps that are already yielding dividends for Nigerians.
Asiru made the assertion on Wednesday 19th August 2026, while delivering the keynote address at the 16th Public Lecture and Induction into the Good Governance Hall of Fame organized by Democracy Newsline Newspaper at the Banquet Hall, National Merit House, Abuja.
The event, themed “Economic Reforms and Sustainable Development in a Democracy: The Nigerian Experience,” had in attendance top government officials, traditional rulers, captains of industry and civil society leaders.
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Justifying the reforms, the Commissioner disclosed that ₦15.8 trillion had been saved by the Federation between June 2023 and December 2025 following the removal of fuel subsidy.
He explained that the savings are being shared across all tiers of government and are already improving service delivery.
“About ₦5.43 trillion went to the Federal Government, ₦6.52 trillion to the states, and ₦3.88 trillion to local governments. This means almost two-thirds of the additional resources are now with states and local governments to serve the people directly,” Asiru said.
He commended President Tinubu for taking the difficult but courageous decision, noting that previous subsidy regimes were unsustainable and were draining resources meant for development.
“Democracy must put food on the table. It must create jobs. It must give our children quality education and provide healthcare. Nigerians must feel the reforms through better roads, functional hospitals, affordable food and real job opportunities,” he stated.
Asiru called on citizens to support the government’s efforts and key into various intervention programmes designed to cushion the effects of the reforms and stimulate growth.
“The sacrifice we are making today will translate into prosperity tomorrow. We must all key in, support government policies, and hold every tier of government accountable for how these resources are used,” he urged.
Speaking on the Kogi State Experience under Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, Asiru said the state is leveraging the increased allocations to strengthen public financial management, block leakages, and invest in critical sectors.
“Our philosophy is simple: it is not about how much money comes in, but what government does with the money. We are investing in roads, education, healthcare, agriculture, solid minerals and security, and we are doing it in a way that ensures continuity beyond political tenures,” he said.
He added that Kogi is focused on expanding its economic base through agriculture, solid minerals, and strategic investments, rather than relying solely on federal allocations.
Asiru commended Democracy Newsline Newspaper for sustaining the public lecture for 16 years and congratulated all Nigerians inducted into the Good Governance Hall of Fame for their contributions to national development.
Other dignitaries at the event included the Hon. Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Senator Sunday Karimi, Chief Mrs. Moji Makanjuola, HRH Akogun Isiaq Ajibola and other distinguished Nigerians.
He concluded: “If our increased revenues produce measurable development, then citizens will understand the purpose of reform. And if democracy delivers better lives for our people, then democracy itself becomes stronger. That is the Nigeria President Tinubu is building.”
God bless Kogi State. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER 20TH AUGUST, 2026)
