President Bola Tinubu has reflected on the difficult journey that led to his emergence as Nigeria’s President, revealing that he endured significant challenges and criticism while pursuing the nation’s highest office.
Speaking on Friday at his Lagos residence during a Sallah homage by members of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum led by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu recounted the obstacles he faced on his path to the presidency and commended those who stood by him throughout the process.
The President said he chose to confront challenges head-on rather than shy away from them, describing the political battle as one of the most demanding periods of his life.
According to him, many political allies remained steadfast despite the uncertainties surrounding his presidential ambition. He noted that several supporters took considerable risks by backing his campaign, driven by their faith in the ruling party and its vision.
Tinubu said the journey tested the resolve of everyone involved, adding that the loyalty and commitment of his supporters played a crucial role in his eventual success.
The President also used the occasion to defend his administration’s decision to remove fuel subsidies, insisting that the policy helped Nigeria avoid a financial crisis and laid the foundation for economic recovery.
Addressing the governors who visited him to mark the Eid-el-Kabir celebration and the third anniversary of his administration, Tinubu acknowledged that the subsidy removal caused hardship for many Nigerians. However, he maintained that the difficult decision was necessary to stabilise the nation’s economy.
He said the government faced intense criticism, legal challenges and public opposition following the policy, but argued that the reforms have begun to yield positive results.
According to Tinubu, Nigeria has moved away from the threat of bankruptcy and is gradually experiencing economic growth. He cited improvements in agriculture, infrastructure development and other sectors as evidence that the country is on the path to recovery.
The President praised state governors for supporting federal policies and encouraging citizens to remain patient during the period of economic adjustment. He said their cooperation helped sustain confidence in government reforms despite the challenges faced by many households.
Tinubu further stated that the country is beginning to enjoy the benefits of reforms implemented over the past three years, particularly in infrastructure, agriculture, social investment programmes, fiscal management and foreign exchange reforms.
He expressed satisfaction that many states are now managing their finances more effectively and are no longer heavily dependent on federal government interventions to meet obligations such as salary payments.
The President pointed to ongoing road construction projects and the rehabilitation of previously abandoned infrastructure as signs of progress, while noting that key macroeconomic indicators have shown encouraging improvements.
He also expressed optimism about the future of Nigeria’s agricultural sector, stressing that the country could achieve food security and self-sufficiency if states effectively utilise their available land resources.
Tinubu assured Nigerians that his administration would continue implementing policies aimed at reducing economic hardship, creating employment opportunities, strengthening food production and promoting sustainable economic growth across the country.
The meeting was attended by governors from several states, including Lagos, Nasarawa, Jigawa, Sokoto, Kebbi, Taraba, Niger, Ekiti, Delta, Ondo, Edo, Adamawa, Benue, Enugu, Ogun and Kogi, as well as the deputy governors of Borno and Kano states.
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