During a meeting at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu encouraged media executives to extend their accountability watchdog role to state and local governments. He highlighted that due to reforms under his administration, these subnational entities now enjoy greater financial independence, which means they must also be held accountable for how they utilize the funds they receive. In his view, media scrutiny should not be solely focused on the federal level but should encompass all levels of government to ensure transparency and proper management of resources.

Tinubu pointed out that his administration has successfully improved the financial situations of many states, stating that no state is currently borrowing to meet payroll obligations. He acknowledged that while the available resources may not be enough, the focus must shift towards effective management and utilization of existing funds. The President urged the media to take an active role in investigating and reporting on how local governments are managing their budgets and resources, thereby encouraging a more balanced approach in oversight across all government levels.

The implications of this appeal are significant as they suggest a push towards greater transparency and accountability in governance at all levels in Nigeria. By urging the media to hold local governments accountable, Tinubu is advocating for civic engagement in the scrutiny of public funds and expenditures, which could lead to improved governance if acted upon. The response of the media and public to this call could potentially influence how local governments operate, fostering a culture of accountability and encouraging better service delivery to citizens.