Former governors who served between 1999 and 2007, under the banner of the “Class of ’99,” have urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to prioritize the creation of cottage industries in Nigeria’s 774 local government areas as a sustainable solution to unemployment and economic hardship, rather than relying on temporary palliatives such as ₦5,000 handouts.
Speaking after a closed-door meeting with President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Friday, the group—led by former Edo State Governor Chief Lucky Igbinedion—emphasized the urgent need to address national security, economic hardship, and joblessness, particularly in rural communities.
Chief Igbinedion explained that the visit was part of their continued engagement with national issues and to lend their voice and experience as former leaders during Nigeria’s Fourth Republic.
“We came to see one of our own—Class of ’99—and to engage him on critical issues affecting our nation,” Igbinedion said. “We had a robust conversation around insecurity, economic instability, agriculture, and the general wellbeing of Nigerians, particularly those in rural areas.”
According to the former Edo governor, the current economic hardships are being felt most deeply at the grassroots, where people are struggling daily to afford basic needs. He said the time has come for the Federal Government to shift from temporary relief measures to more long-term, productivity-driven solutions.
“One of the key proposals we made was the establishment of cottage industries in all 774 local government areas across the federation. These will serve as employment hubs and stimulate local economies,” Igbinedion noted. “Palliatives like ₦5,000 may help briefly, but what happens after breakfast? What about lunch and dinner? What people truly need are jobs, not handouts.”
The group also expressed concern over the unstable foreign exchange rate and the weakening of the naira, urging the President to take bold steps to stabilize the currency to improve purchasing power and restore investor confidence.
Regarding security, which they described as a prerequisite for national progress, Igbinedion said: “We told the President clearly—without security, there can be no economic development or political stability. It’s the foundation of any successful governance.”
The governors commended President Tinubu for his openness during the meeting, noting that he welcomed their input and pledged to explore their recommendations.
“He assured us that his doors are always open for discussions and ideas that can move the country forward,” Igbinedion added. “We left the meeting optimistic that our suggestions, especially on job creation and local enterprise, will receive serious consideration.”
The visit by the Class of ’99 is seen as a significant political signal, as it reflects the engagement of veteran political figures in ongoing national discourse, and their willingness to partner with the Tinubu administration in shaping policy direction for a more resilient Nigeria.
