- Reiterates Commitment To Leading Nigeria Towards Economic, Social Prosperity
- Optimistic Nigeria Will Survive Current Economic Challenges
- Says Country Navigating The Twists And Bends On The Road To Prosperity
- Lands in Lagos for Red Line Rail Unveiling. To Take Quest For FDI To Qatar For Two-Day Business Forum
As Nigerians continue to grapple with biting economic hardship, President Bola Tinubu has taken full responsibility for the current economic woes being faced by Nigerians.
The Matrix reports that Nigerians are currently on their knees with biting economic hardship brought about by the removal of fuel subsidy, floating of the naira, two major policies implemented by the Tinubu-led Federal Government.
A few days ago, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) embarked on a protest to hold the government accountable to the plight of Nigerians.
However, the President has disclosed that his administration is working to ensure that Nigeria is reformed for greater efficiency with a particular emphasis on systematically inculcating fairness and equity in all aspects of national life.
The President while addressing pan-Yoruba political and social group, Afenifere leaders at the residence of Pa Reuben Fasoranti in Akure, Ondo State, on Wednesday expressed optimism that the country will survive the current hardship.
“Nigeria will survive the current economic challenges. There is light at the end of the tunnel. I requested the job, and I am not complaining about it. I take full responsibility,”
READ ALSO: Why TUC snubbed NLC nationwide protest on economic hardship, insecurity
He also emphasised his commitment to leading Nigeria towards economic and social prosperity.
“We are meeting our obligations to the international community. To lenders, we have not defaulted, and we are not going to default. We are navigating the twists and bends on the road to Nigeria’s prosperity,” the President affirmed.
On reforming Nigeria, Tinubu said his task will be to ensure fiscal and true federalism, as well as the broad-based manifestation of the philosophy of “what is sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander.”
He acknowledged the understanding and support of all Nigerians in the face of the tough but temporary economic conditions, assuring them that their patience and perseverance will not be fruitless.
“The economic challenges we have endured since assuming office are not new to me. As the former governor of Lagos State, I faced similar calls for my resignation. But, through perseverance, Lagos emerged as the fifth largest economy in the entire continent of Africa. We must manage this moment with wisdom and grow Nigeria responsibly.
“I campaigned for this office to serve Nigeria’s interests, and I was elected. Some said I would not last in the tribunal and came up with all sorts of predictions, but even when in court, I remained focused.
“We cannot allow Nigeria’s economy to be exploited. We cannot abandon our economy to marauders. I am determined to re-engineer our finances and curb selfish interests permanently,” he said, according to a statement by his spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale.
Responding, Pa Olu Falae, a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), who read the address of Pa Fasoranti, commended President Tinubu for his commitment to Nigeria’s progress and expressed support for his administration’s efforts.
READ ALSO: Economic Hardship: Protest in Yenagoa Streets by NLC
“You have kept your word to return to this place where we all prayed for you, and this shows that you are a man of your word,” the elder statesman stated. Pa Fasoranti asked President Tinubu to be fair and courageous, declaring that such traits were the hallmark of the Afenifere family.
“Today, you are carrying our flag. We are noted for integrity, competence, fairness, and courage. Your performance so far has shown that you understand the full gravity of your mandate, which is to show the Nigerian people that a good government is possible,” he said.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu will depart Lagos State and embark on a two-day official visit to the State of Qatar on Thursday to continue his quest of luring Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into the country.
Ngelale, in a statement on Wednesday, said the visit which is on invitation of His Highness, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar, is to further strengthen cooperation between the two nations in several areas, including security, cultural exchange, and economic development.
He said that during the visit, President Tinubu will witness the signing of several agreements focused on boosting Nigeria’s real sector and creating value-additive investments across the fields of trade, education, culture, solid minerals, digital economy, agriculture, and gas, as well as fostering cooperation on counter-terrorism.
According to Ngelale, the President will also participate in a business and investment forum that will bring together top-level executives in both the private and public sectors of Nigeria and Qatar to advance cross-sectoral opportunities for mutually beneficial growth and development.
He added that the President will be accompanied on the trip by senior government officials for the signing of agreements.
