President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to economic recovery and addressed concerns regarding potential damages from protests.
During a meeting with traditional rulers at the State House on Thursday, Tinubu emphasized that while his government is not afraid of protests, it is concerned about the destruction of public property.
In his address to the royal fathers, led by the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Tinubu assured that the nation’s economy is on a gradual but steady path of recovery.
“Nigeria is on the path of recovery,” Tinubu stated. “We are not afraid of protests. Our concern is the ordinary people, and the damages that will be done. Till today, I cannot forget the brand new 60 and 100-seater buses, down there in Lagos that were burnt down, and we are now complaining of transportation. That is the problem. That is why I must say thank you for talking to the citizens.”
The president recalled the destruction of brand new buses during the EndSARS protests in Lagos in October 2020 and reiterated his administration’s dedication to addressing the needs of citizens. He highlighted several initiatives aimed at bringing the government closer to the people, including a student loan program, a consumer credit scheme, and fiscal autonomy for local government councils.
Tinubu also mentioned ongoing economic and infrastructural plans, such as the reactivation of the Bank of Agriculture and the development of the Lagos-Calabar coastal road. He stressed the administration’s focus on security, assuring that it is receiving increased attention and will be further enhanced.
He urged the traditional rulers to communicate the government’s genuine intentions to deliver on its promises of Renewed Hope to the citizens.
“Yes, it is true that I asked for this job, and I approached some of you to support me. So, I have no excuse not to do the job with sincerity of purpose and honesty. I have committed myself to it diligently, and I will never look backwards.
“I have accepted the assets and the liabilities of my predecessor. How I will take Nigeria forward should be my concern, and that is my concern.
“I have been extremely busy. The only exercise I have had here is the walk from the residence to this place and then continue with the work.
“Nigeria is hilly, and it is the largest democracy in Africa. No other democracy comes close to us in terms of population on the continent. We cannot blame God for giving us these children, and we have to seek peace and better livelihoods,” Tinubu stated.
He added, “Now, we are sending money to the local governments. I addressed the governors today on that issue. I have been distributing fertilizer, rice, and other items to support the recovery of citizens. I assure you, Nigerians, we are looking at the light at the end of the tunnel. I can assure you, this economy will be revived, will survive, and prosper.”
In response, the Sultan of Sokoto expressed appreciation for the opportunity to discuss national issues openly. The Ooni of Ife also thanked the President for inviting key officials to brief the traditional rulers on the state of the economy.
Top government officials present at the meeting included the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu; and the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari.
