President Bola Tinubu has expressed happiness that no state in Nigeria is struggling to pay workers’ salaries as it was before his inauguration on May 29, 2024, and this shows that Nigeria’s economy is recovering.
The president stated this on Friday in Lagos when he received members of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, led by Vice President Kashim Shettima, for a Sallah homage at his Lagos residence.
Reflecting on his journey to the presidency, the president described the process as difficult and marked by political and legal challenges.
Tinubu said, “At the time, I faced the challenge of trying to become the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“It was very, very challenging. It was tough for those who were in the party with me. Some kept faith, and instead of dodging the bullets, I took it. I took the punch in the chin. Very hard work.”
Tinubu said many governors and party members stood by him despite not knowing the specific policies his administration would eventually implement.
“I didn’t disclose to anybody what I would do. Many of you took the risk and went along because of the party platform and everything. We survived. You faced litigation and accusations, and we survived it,” he said.
The president said Nigeria had averted economic collapse and was now experiencing signs of growth and recovery.
“Instead of bankruptcy, Nigeria has survived. The economy has recovered. It is growing. Agriculture is humming. Food is here,” he said.
He commended governors for helping to maintain public confidence during the implementation of his administration’s economic reforms.
“You kept the spirit, you kept the hope, and you persuaded our people to be patient and to endure these three years of painful reforms while we put the economy on reset.
“Today, the benefit is showing. The economy has recovered; macroeconomic indices are doing very well.
“Construction is ongoing on roads and infrastructure. The ones abandoned are being rehabilitated. The housing industry is coming on very well,” Tinubu said.
The president also said the financial position of many states had improved significantly.
“I am glad that out of the 27 governors borrowing from the federal government and asking for interventions, we are no longer struggling to pay salaries. No more,” he said.
Tinubu further highlighted the economic potential of ongoing infrastructure projects, including developments along the Sokoto-Badagry corridor.
“Today I was watching some clips of the Sokoto-Badagry axis. Imagine how many dams there are on that corridor for irrigation, for farming land, and for electricity,” he said.
He urged governors to maximise agricultural opportunities in their states, expressing confidence that Nigeria could achieve food sufficiency and food sovereignty through effective use of available land resources.
Packaged by Lanre Olabisi
