ABUJA — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his commitment to the “bold and necessary” reforms of his administration, asserting that the current economic pains are the foundation for a more dignified and prosperous future for all Nigerians.
Speaking on the trajectory of the nation, the President emphasized that the structural changes implemented since he took office were designed to pull the economy back from the brink and restore global investor confidence.
A Foundation for Growth
President Tinubu maintained that the administration’s focus remains on long-term stability rather than quick, unsustainable fixes.
“Since the inception of this administration, we have undertaken bold and necessary reforms to stabilise the economy, restore confidence and lay the foundation for long-term growth,” Tinubu stated. “These reforms are instruments for delivering prosperity, dignity and opportunity for all Nigerians.”
The President highlighted that his administration’s monetary policy shifts—which have seen significant adjustments to the foreign exchange market and interest rates—are gaining traction beyond Nigeria’s borders.
“I must say again that the monetary policy we embarked upon has yielded positive results and is being recognised around the world,” he noted.Strengthening the Grassroots
A key pillar of the President’s address was the improvement of Cooperative Federalism. He pointed to the increased revenue flow to state and local governments as a direct result of his administration’s fiscal policies, which he believes will empower local leaders to meet their obligations.
- Increased Allocations: More predictable funding for sub-national governments.
- Service Delivery: Enhanced capacity for states to pay salaries and fund social services.
- Infrastructure: A surge in investments across transportation, power, and digital connectivity.
“With this, state and local governments now receive increased and more predictable allocations, improving their capacity to pay salaries, invest in infrastructure and deliver social services,” the President explained.Security and Social Safety Nets
Addressing the human element of his policies, Tinubu noted that the government has prioritized “social investment and human capital programmes” specifically targeting women, youth, and small business owners to cushion the effects of the reforms.
However, the President acknowledged that economic growth cannot exist without safety. He took a hard line against the lingering threats of insurgency, describing the current state of unrest as an anomaly.
“Insecurity is unacceptable and foreign to Nigeria’s culture,” Tinubu remarked, while reassuring the nation of his administration’s unwavering commitment to “defeating terrorism and banditry.”
