The President made the remarks on Thursday while receiving a delegation of traditional rulers from Oyo State led by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Tinubu noted that states are now receiving significantly higher allocations from the Federation Account, saying many governors currently receive between four and five times what they previously earned. He urged them to deploy the increased resources towards projects that would have a direct impact on the lives of citizens.
According to the President, expanding road infrastructure would not only facilitate commerce and social development but also improve access to remote communities, enabling security agencies to respond more swiftly to criminal activities.
Speaking on the country's security challenges, Tinubu disclosed that terrorists responsible for the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State had demanded the release of detained gang members in addition to ransom before freeing the victims.
He said the Federal Government firmly rejected the demands, reiterating that his administration would neither negotiate with terrorists nor pay ransom to secure the release of kidnapped persons.
The President explained that the Oriire incident informed the Federal Government's decision to expand the Nigerian Army from eight to twelve divisions, describing the move as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the nation's security architecture and improve military response to terrorism and banditry.
Tinubu commended the Nigerian Armed Forces for their successful rescue operation and assured Nigerians that the government would continue to review and enhance security strategies to address emerging threats across the country.
He reaffirmed his administration's commitment to protecting lives and property while investing in infrastructure that promotes national development and supports effective security operations.