President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday night expressed renewed confidence in Nigeria’s economic direction, assuring citizens that the most challenging phase of his administration’s reforms has passed and that better days lie ahead.
The President made the remarks while hosting members of the House of Representatives to an interfaith breaking of fast at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Addressing the lawmakers, Tinubu acknowledged that the decision to remove fuel subsidy at the beginning of his administration generated widespread tension and uncertainty across the country. He noted that many Nigerians initially struggled to understand the rationale behind the move, with some believing the government might eventually reverse the policy.
“It was initially very difficult for many to understand the direction of my thinking,” the President said. “But I am glad we are out of the dark tunnel. Many even thought we could reverse the subsidy removal. The tension has subsided.”
He maintained that the reform, though painful at the onset, was necessary to stabilise the economy and set the country on a sustainable path. According to him, the government is beginning to see the benefits of its tough decisions.
Beyond economic reforms, Tinubu reiterated his administration’s commitment to improving national security, stressing the need to establish State Police as part of broader efforts to address insecurity across the country. He argued that decentralising policing would strengthen response mechanisms and enhance safety at the grassroots level.
The President also pledged support for initiatives aimed at reducing the high turnover rate in the lower legislative chamber during election cycles. He observed that legislative continuity is critical to effective governance and policy implementation.
Tinubu commended the Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, for what he described as exemplary leadership and a strong commitment to national development. He praised the unity displayed by members present at the gathering.
“I appreciate the impressive turnout, and this shows the spirit of unity. You spoke very well as a team leader; you are a very good leader,” the President said. “I am very happy with the representation I see here tonight, which reflects your consciousness and the richness of your leadership. I thank you for speaking so well. I am proud of you. You collaborated with me, and today those challenges are over.”
In his remarks, Speaker Abbas expressed gratitude to the President for sustaining the tradition of hosting lawmakers for an interfaith breaking of fast. He described the coincidence of Ramadan and Lent this year as symbolic and significant, reflecting unity across religious lines.
The Speaker praised Tinubu’s leadership, stating that the administration’s economic policies were beginning to yield positive outcomes. He noted improvements in key indicators, including inflation trends and agricultural productivity, and said confidence in the government’s direction had grown among lawmakers across party lines.
“This is the first time that every member here, whether in the majority or minority, believes in what you are doing and believes in your government’s policies,” Abbas said. He acknowledged that some Nigerians initially viewed the President’s reform agenda with pessimism but added that recent developments suggest the country is on the right track.
Abbas further stated that many now view the President as a transformative leader and expressed optimism about his prospects beyond the current term. He argued that first terms are often devoted to correcting inherited challenges, adding that greater results could emerge in a potential second term.
The Speaker also appealed for the President’s support in addressing the frequent turnover of lawmakers after general elections. He lamented that when up to 80 per cent of members fail to return to the National Assembly, institutional memory is weakened, and new legislators require significant time to acclimatise, which can slow legislative progress.
The interfaith gathering underscored ongoing collaboration between the executive and legislative arms of government, with both leaders emphasising unity, continuity, and sustained reform efforts as key to Nigeria’s future development.
Tinubu Assures Nigerians of Economic Recovery, Backs State Police at Interfaith Iftar with Lawmakers
