“Nigeria would’ve been broke if we never took action”– Tinubu

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu emphasized the economic reforms implemented by his administration, showing that without these changes, the country would have faced severe financial collapse.

Speaking at the State House in Abuja, Tinubu explained that the fundamental motivation behind his government’s actions was to safeguard the future of generations yet to come.

Addressing a delegation of former National Assembly colleagues from the aborted Third Republic, the president reflected on the challenges that plagued Nigeria for decades. 

For over 50 years, the country had been depleting its resources, borrowing heavily, and using its financial resources to subsidize the West coast of the nation’s subregion with fuel.

This strategy, Tinubu pointed out, made it increasingly difficult to make long-term plans for Nigeria’s future, particularly in providing for the well-being of its children.

Tinubu painted a stark picture of the economic situation he inherited when he assumed office.

“We faced serious headwinds when I took over, very challenging times,” he said, explaining that the nation’s economy was on the brink of collapse. 

According to him, had his administration not taken bold steps to address these pressing issues, Nigeria would have been bankrupt.

He also pointed to the administration’s efforts to stabilize the economy, reduce food prices, and improve the exchange rate, noting that these actions had laid a strong foundation for Nigeria’s recovery.

The president also praised Nigerians for their collective resilience, acknowledging that despite the difficult start to his term, the people’s support played a crucial role in turning the situation around.

He also expressed gratitude to his colleagues for their faith in the democratic process.

In his words, the country’s commitment to democracy was a cornerstone of its recovery, providing a path toward political, economic, and social development.

“I am happy that you are holding to your belief in democracy,” Tinubu said, thanking his supporters for maintaining faith in the nation’s democratic values despite the setbacks. 

Looking ahead, Tinubu remained optimistic about Nigeria’s future, expressing confidence that despite the challenges, the country would soon experience brighter days.

“We will have light at the end of the tunnel,” he concluded, highlighting that the worst was behind the nation.