Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo, has said Nigeria’s economic management has lost direction since the exit of former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, describing him as a stabilising force whose leadership is still missed.
The governor spoke on Saturday in Ibadan at a public function, where he reflected on Osinbajo’s tenure as chairman of the National Economic Council (NEC), a forum that brings together state governors and top federal officials to deliberate on economic and developmental issues.
Governor Makinde said Osinbajo’s leadership at the council encouraged frank discussions and inclusive decision-making, a style he noted helped states respond more effectively to national challenges.
According to Makinde, governors were given the space to contribute meaningfully, ensuring that policies reflected realities on the ground.
Recalling the early months of his administration during the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020, Makinde said guidance from the NEC under Osinbajo influenced his decision not to impose a full lockdown in Oyo State.
He also explained that the former vice president emphasised flexibility and local context rather than rigid, one-size-fits-all solutions.
The Oyo governor, however, expressed concern over what he described as a shift in governance approach under the current administration.
He further criticised the handling of recent tax reform bills, saying state governments were sidelined in the process leading to their transmission to the National Assembly.
Makinde argued that objections and suggestions raised by governors were largely ignored, adding that calls for broader consultation were brushed aside.
He said this has created an atmosphere where alternative views are discouraged, weakening trust between the federal and state governments.
He also lamented the lack of transparency surrounding the final content of the tax legislation passed by lawmakers and signed into law, warning that such practices undermine accountability and cooperative federalism.
The governor praised Osinbajo’s legacy, describing him as a calm and effective economic coordinator whose absence continues to be felt across governance circles.
