Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the House of Representatives, has revealed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is actively involving traditional rulers in efforts to improve security and strengthen governance under the renewed hope agenda.
Gatekeepers News reports that Abbas made the revelation on Sunday in Lagos while handing over utility vehicles to traditional leaders in the southern region, according to a statement from his media aide, Musa Krishi.
Abbas, who facilitated the vehicles through the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), said the president’s economic reforms are beginning to show results, even though citizens initially faced hardship.
He described the policies as “tough but necessary” and noted that they have helped stabilise the exchange rate, improve fiscal discipline, boost agriculture, increase state revenues and restore investor confidence, signs he said show that “the path we are on is the right one”.
The speaker explained that similar vehicle distributions earlier in the year had reached traditional rulers in several states, including Ekiti, Ogun, Osun, Edo, Delta, Ebonyi, Imo, Sokoto, Kaduna, Niger, Taraba, Nasarawa and the federal capital territory.
The latest recipients include the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, the Onikate of Ikate, the paramount ruler of Okobo land in Akwa Ibom, Igwe Fidelis Ogbu of Enugu, Igwe Robert C. of Anambra, Oba Arole-Agbala of Ondo and the Ede of Ekiti.
According to Abbas, the presentation was intended to recognise the essential contributions of traditional leaders in conflict resolution, peacebuilding, cultural preservation, local intelligence and community development.
He said, “We remain firmly convinced that the cultural and traditional pillars of Nigeria must be supported, respected, and empowered because a stable nation begins with strong, trusted institutions at the grassroots.”
“These vehicles are not gifts of comfort. They are tools for duty. They enhance the mobility and effectiveness of leaders who remain the first and most trusted point of contact for millions of our citizens.”
“Traditional rulers are essential for conflict resolution, local intelligence, community mobilisation, and cultural stability. When they lack mobility, their ability to respond to emergencies, support development initiatives, and liaise with the government is limited. Enhancing their capacity is, therefore, a strategic investment in peace, order, and grassroots governance.”
He added that the initiative aligns with Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda, which focuses on strengthening local institutions. Abbas also noted that the national assembly is working on a constitutional amendment that will clearly define and protect the role of traditional rulers.
The speaker said, “The president has invited them into major conversations on security and development. He has acknowledged their stabilising influence in moments of tension.”
“His Renewed Hope Agenda recognises that national progress must begin in communities and harness the credibility of natural leaders. It is within this same spirit of reform and partnership that the broader economic measures of his administration must be understood.”
Abbas urged traditional rulers to use their influence to maintain national stability and support ongoing reforms. He assured that the House of Representatives would continue pushing for policies that strengthen traditional institutions.
