Former governors who served from 1999 to 2007—referred to as the "Class of ’99"—have called on President Bola Tinubu to prioritize the establishment of cottage industries across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas instead of relying on short-term palliative payments.

The group, which includes President Tinubu himself as a former governor, emphasized that creating employment opportunities through localized industrial development is a more sustainable solution to the nation’s economic hardship than distributing ₦5,000 cash reliefs.

Speaking to journalists after a closed-door meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Friday, the group’s chairman and former Edo State Governor, Chief Lucky Igbinedion, said they had a frank discussion with the President on pressing national issues including security, the economy, and agriculture.

“We came to meet one of our own to discuss the state of the nation,” Igbinedion said. “We expressed concerns about security and the economic situation, particularly how rural communities are suffering the most.”

He noted that the President welcomed their input and acknowledged the challenges facing the country.

“He assured us that these matters are being addressed. We also discussed the need for stabilizing the naira and improving the general economic outlook,” he added.

Igbinedion stressed that the governors urged Tinubu to move beyond temporary relief measures and focus on long-term economic solutions.

“Security remains the top priority, because without peace, there can be no progress. But we also highlighted the importance of developing cottage industries at the grassroots level. These industries would provide jobs and economic stability in local communities, unlike ₦5,000 palliatives, which offer only fleeting relief,” he said.

“People need sustainable livelihoods, not one-off handouts. We believe this is a more effective way to alleviate poverty and drive inclusive growth,” Igbinedion concluded.