‘Nigeria Is Better Off Now’ – Tinubu Speaks on Fuel Subsidy Removal and Criticism
President Bola Tinubu has declared that Nigeria is in a stronger position despite the intense public backlash that followed the removal of fuel subsidy.
The president said the criticism that greeted the policy was heavy and emotionally charged.
He described the pressure from opponents as overwhelming but necessary for the country’s long-term recovery.
According to him, the difficult decisions were taken to save Nigeria from deeper economic trouble.
Tinubu made the remarks during an interfaith breaking of fast meeting with members of the House of Representatives on Friday.
He said many Nigerians initially struggled to understand the direction of his government. This included the decision to remove fuel subsidy and allow the naira to float freely in the foreign exchange market. He noted that these reforms were painful but unavoidable.
In his words:
“It was initially very difficult at the beginning for people to realize the direction of my thinking but I’m glad that with the heat of the critics, none of you came to me to say can you reverse the removal of subsidy or can you change the foreign exchange floatation of naira? I am glad we are out of the dark tunnel.
“You collaborated and joined together as a team and gave me the inspiration to move on because the heat was high voltage from the critics but today we are better off for it.
“And if there is anything that you deserve, you deserve a second term subject to our party and your party.”
The president praised lawmakers for standing firm during the period of public anger. He said their support gave him the courage to continue with the reforms instead of backing down.
Tinubu maintained that the removal of fuel subsidy has helped reduce waste and corruption in the oil sector. He also said the forex reform was necessary to stabilize the economy and attract investment.
The president admitted that citizens are still feeling the impact of the changes. However, he insisted that the country has passed through the worst phase and is now moving toward recovery.
