Makinde unveils four pillars agenda and promises to restore Nigeria

Allied Peoples Movement (APM) presidential candidate Seyi Makinde has unveiled a four-pillar agenda for Nigeria, vowing to address economic hardship, unemployment, insecurity and structural imbalances if elected president.

Makinde outlined the agenda at the South-South town hall meeting in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State on Wednesday.

He identified education, economic restructuring, entrepreneurship and reform of Nigeria’s sociopolitical system as critical to national development.

He described the South-South as a resource-rich region whose population continues to experience poverty despite enormous natural wealth and argued that natural resources alone could not ensure economic prosperity without investment in education, skills and knowledge.

He said education is critical to building a prosperous middle class, creating job opportunities and strengthening national security.

He added that his administration will address persistent militancy in the Niger Delta, saying that while the situation has improved, the underlying challenges remain unresolved.

On the economy, the APM candidate said Nigeria must move beyond dependence on federal allocations by creating an enabling environment for private investment, entrepreneurship and job creation.

Makinde, who cited his experience as an entrepreneur, pledged to encourage businesses through appropriate incentives, including tax breaks, while advocating a tax system that places a greater burden on wealth rather than poverty.

He criticized the prevailing fiscal framework, arguing that taxation should support productivity and economic expansion rather than impose further hardship on vulnerable Nigerians.

The Oyo State governor also called for a restructuring of Nigeria’s federal system to ensure that states and local governments receive their constitutionally appropriated revenues.

He specifically raised concerns over the management of Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) dividends, alleging that the Federal Government had not fully paid the appropriate share of the proceeds due to the Federation account over the years.