President Bola Tinubu has urged Nigerians to remain patient as his administration navigates the country through significant economic reforms. In a video statement released by the State House on Wednesday, Tinubu acknowledged the current hardships caused by the removal of the fuel subsidy and the floating of the naira.
Addressing the nation, President Tinubu admitted that the transitional phase has been challenging, but emphasized the importance of enduring these “temporary pains” to achieve long-term gains. He highlighted that the difficulties faced by Nigerians were intensified by what he termed an “avoidable lag” between the removal of the subsidy and the implementation of his administration’s supportive measures.
“Fellow Nigerians, this period may be hard on us and there’s no doubt that it is tough, but I urge you all to look beyond the present temporary pains and aim at the larger picture,” Tinubu said. “All our good and helpful plans are in the works. More importantly, I know that they will work. Sadly, there was an avoidable lag between subsidy removal and these plans coming fully online.”
President Tinubu called for faith in his administration’s capability and commitment to improving the country’s well-being. He assured that the reforms would ultimately equip Nigeria to seize future opportunities more effectively. Among the key initiatives mentioned was the promise to make education more affordable and accessible, including the provision of loans for higher education students to ensure that no student has to abandon their studies due to financial constraints.
“Our commitment is to promote the greatest good for the greatest number of our people. On principle, we shall never falter. I assure you, my fellow countrymen and women, that we are exiting the darkness to enter a new and glorious dawn,” he added.
This statement marks President Tinubu’s second address to the nation since the onset of the #EndBadGovernanceinNigeria protests, which escalated into violence in several states, including Kano, Abuja, and Kaduna. In these areas, some demonstrators, believed to be infiltrators, were seen waving Russian flags and calling for a military takeover.
Despite the unrest, President Tinubu remained resolute, asserting that the measures taken by his government would eventually steer the country out of its economic crisis. He concluded by reaffirming his commitment to working diligently to turn his vision for Nigeria into reality.
