Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga says Nigerians should hold state and local governments accountable for how they spend public money.
Speaking in an interview with Lagos Talks Radio, Onanuga said many people wrongly blame the federal government for problems that fall under the responsibility of state authorities.
“It is the job of the citizens to hold their governors and council chairmen accountable for the money they get from the centre,” he said.
His comments come as many Nigerians question how state governments are using increased revenue following the removal of the petrol subsidy.
Onanuga said Nigeria’s federal system means the national government cannot control how states spend their funds.
“This is not a military government.
"This is a civilian democratic government,” he said.
“The president cannot force them.”
He said citizens should ask questions about how public funds are used.
“In school they always tell us, ‘Follow the naira.’
"They are collecting money.
"We are paying taxes.
"Where is the money going?” he said.
The presidential adviser also said some problems linked to poverty and living conditions should be addressed by state governments.
“If you talk about sanitation, is it the federal government going to carry your waste?
"If you talk about housing, what are the states doing?” he asked.
Onanuga added that citizens must move away from the old belief that the federal government controls everything.
“Let us begin to believe that we are a federation,” he said.
