President Bola Tinubu has urged state governors to channel their increased federal allocations into expanding road networks rather than constructing flyovers in areas with little traffic.

Speaking on Thursday while receiving a delegation of Oyo State traditional rulers led by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, the President said states now receive four to five times more revenue from the Federation Account than in previous years and should invest in infrastructure that improves living standards and strengthens security.

Tinubu said better road and arterial networks would enhance accessibility, particularly for security agencies responding to threats in remote communities.

The President also reiterated his administration’s refusal to negotiate with terrorists or pay ransom, revealing that kidnappers who abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State’s Oriire Local Government Area had demanded the release of detained gang members in addition to ransom.

According to him, the Federal Government rejected the demands and instead strengthened security operations, including expanding the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions to improve response times and combat terrorism and banditry.

Tinubu added that his administration remains committed to establishing state police with safeguards against abuse, while also enhancing the capacity of forest guards to tackle the growing security challenges linked to instability in neighbouring Sahel countries.