President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said Nigeria’s economy is recovering, noting that many states are no longer struggling to pay workers’ salaries or relying heavily on federal government interventions.
Mr Tinubu stated this on Friday while receiving members of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, led by Vice President Kashim Shettima, during a Sallah homage at his Lagos residence.
Reflecting on his journey to becoming President, Mr Tinubu described the process as politically difficult and filled with legal and electoral challenges.
“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 point in the chin. Very hard work,” Mr Tinubu said.
Tinubu defends economic reforms
The President said many governors and party loyalists supported him despite uncertainty over the policies his administration would later 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 litigations and accusations, and we survived it,” he stated.
Mr Tinubu maintained that Nigeria had avoided economic collapse and is now witnessing signs of recovery and growth.
“Instead of bankruptcy, Nigeria has survived. The economy has recovered. It is growing. Agriculture is humming. Food is here.”
He also commended governors for helping sustain public confidence during the implementation of his administration’s economic reforms.
“You kept the spirit, you kept the hope, you persuaded our people to be patient, to endure these three years of painful reforms, while we put the economy on reset.”
“No more struggle to pay salaries”
According to the President, ongoing reforms have improved the financial condition of many states across the country.
“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,” Mr Tinubu said.
He added that states are now in a stronger fiscal position compared to previous years.
“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.”
Focus on agriculture and infrastructure
Mr Tinubu also highlighted the economic potential of infrastructure projects, particularly developments along the Sokoto-Badagry corridor.
“Today I was watching some clips of the Sokoto-Badagry axis, imagine how many dams on that corridor for irrigation, for farming land, for electricity.”
The President urged governors to maximise agricultural opportunities within their states, expressing optimism that Nigeria can achieve food sufficiency and long-term food security through effective land utilisation and investment in farming infrastructure.
The President’s comments come amid continued debate over the impact of the administration’s economic reforms, including fuel subsidy removal, exchange rate liberalisation, and fiscal restructuring.
While the Federal Government says the reforms are stabilising public finances and improving long-term economic prospects, critics continue to raise concerns over inflation, rising living costs, and economic hardship facing many Nigerians.
The Sallah meeting with governors also reflects ongoing coordination between federal and state governments on economic recovery efforts ahead of the 2027 political cycle.
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