Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerians that despite the economic challenges confronting the country, the economy is steadily progressing on a path of recovery, albeit at a gradual pace.
In addition, President Tinubu pledged to intensify his administration’s efforts to address the needs of Nigerian citizens in the coming days, promising that his government will work tirelessly to provide tangible improvements in their lives.
He conveyed these reassurances during a meeting with a delegation of traditional rulers led by the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, at the State House in Abuja on Thursday night.
In a statement released by Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, titled ‘President Tinubu: Nigeria’s Economy on a Path of Recovery – We Will Do More to Meet the Needs of Citizens,’ the President’s spokesperson disclosed the administration’s commitment to addressing the nation’s economic crisis.
The President’s comments come amidst growing calls for nationwide protests against economic hardship, planned to take place between August 1 and 15, 2024.
Thursday’s meeting between President Bola Tinubu and traditional rulers was the latest in a series of attempts by the Nigerian Government to engage key stakeholders and avert what it perceives as a potential crisis.
President Bola Tinubu pledged to continue communicating the economic reforms being implemented by his administration, as well as their expected benefits, to the Nigerian people.
He emphasized his willingness to engage in dialogue with various stakeholders to promote the development of the country and prevent a descent into chaos.
President Tinubu therefore appealed to the traditional rulers to serve as a bridge between the government and the people, and use their influence to communicate the administration’s genuine intentions to implement its “Renewed Hope” agenda and improve the livelihoods of Nigerians.
The president states, “Now, we are sending money to the local governments. I addressed the governors today on that issue.
“I have been distributing fertilizer, rice, and other items to support the recovery of citizens. I assure you, Nigerians, we are looking at the light at the end of the tunnel.
“I can assure you, this economy will be revived, will survive, and prosper.”
The president reiterated his deep concern for the citizens and promised that their needs will receive more attention.
Tinubu said: “Yes, it is true that I asked for this job, and I approached some of you to support me. So, I have no excuse not to do the job with sincerity of purpose and honesty. I have committed myself to it diligently, and I will never look back.
“I have accepted the assets and the liabilities of my predecessor. How I will take Nigeria forward should be my concern, and that is my concern. I have been extremely busy. The only exercise I have had here is the walk from the residence to this place and then continue with the work.
“Nigeria is hilly, and it is the largest democracy in Africa. No other democracy comes close to us in terms of population on the continent. We cannot blame God for giving us these children, and we have to seek peace and better livelihoods.”
President Tinubu noted that the administration’s efforts to foster closer ties with the people are already bearing fruit, citing initiatives such as the activation of the student loan program, the consumer credit scheme, and the granting of fiscal autonomy to local government councils as evidence of the government’s commitment to improving the lives of Nigerians.
He also emphasized that the Ministry of Finance will maintain its focus on directing funds towards local communities, with the objective of promoting human and infrastructural development across the country.
Tinubu explained, “Today, the Bank of Agriculture is empty. We have to reactivate it. If they are not talking about flooding, they are talking about banditry. We have to start all over again. Yes, infrastructural decay is there.
“The Lagos-Calabar coastal road is not being done without studies. It is an economic energiser. From it, we can create infrastructure along the route to develop wind energy and generate power, and we can expand our irrigation network.
“The economic viability of infrastructure has to be studied before we embark on projects. How many dams are there on the corridors of Sokoto- Badagry? From there, we can energise electricity. We can do irrigation and additional farms.”
He expressed confidence that even with just two million hectares of arable land, the government could provide numerous opportunities for small-scale farmers to engage in agriculture and contribute to the country’s economic growth.
Tinubu cited an earlier briefing by the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, saying, “Nigeria is on the path of recovery. You have heard it from the Minister of Finance, Mr. Wale Edun. We are not afraid of protests. Our concern is the ordinary people and the damages that will be done.
Till today, I cannot forget the brand new 60 and 100 seater buses, down there in Lagos that were burnt down, and we are now complaining of transportation.
“That is the problem. That is why I must say thank you for talking to the citizens,” the President told the traditional rules.
The President also noted that the security was getting more attention and would be enhanced.
The president noted “Security is getting better, but we cannot take our eyes off the camera because it takes one accident for things to flare up. We are managing it.
“We have created instruments to support the students so that they get education, and consumer credit to expand the economy, to improve the purchasing power of the people in order to rejuvenate the economy within a short period.
“We are still recalibrating our oil usage.”
