I Took Over a Nation on the Brink of Bankruptcy, Says President Bola Tinubu

Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has revealed that as at May 2023, when  he took over the reigns of government from former president Muhammadu Buhari, after the 2023 general elections , he inherited a country that was near bankruptcy.

Tinubu also said that his administration has rescued Nigeria’s economy from near collapse, even as he assured Nigerians living in Saint Lucia that remarkable reforms are helping the country stabilize and reviving investor confidence.

This was contained in a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Thursday.

The statement highlighted the fact that the President spoke during an interactive session with members of the Nigerian community on Wednesday at the Windjammer Resort in Castries, Saint Lucia. He informed his audience about the measures taken so far to reverse the economic situation of the country.

The President said: “We inherited a country that was near bankruptcy.

“But we have been able to rescue the economy. Nigeria has recovered. We have made the smuggling of our oil unattractive.

“We have stopped chasing forex papers at the Central Bank of Nigeria.”

But while noting that the nation’s per capital income remains low,he said that  government is focusing on implementing policies to bring about an inclusive growth and long-term economic stability.

“For the professionals living here, our government will not abandon you. But you must work hard. It is our job to help you succeed,” Tinubu said.

The meeting which brought together Nigerian professionals, students and religious leaders in Saint Lucia, was the second in two days. The first took place on Tuesday night at the official residence of Saint Lucia’s Prime Minister, Philip J. Pierre.

The parley was organised by the Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa and gave room for the President to directly engage with Nigerians outside the shores of the country.

She acknowledged the contributions being made by Nigerians in Saint Lucia and urged them to maintain strong ties to their homeland.

While commending President Tinubu for meeting with the Nigerian community, Dabiri-Erewa said, “Nigeria is proud of what you contribute to Saint Lucia,”

In cause of the meeting, several members of the diaspora raised issues of concern, including the high cost of work permits and the absence of a Nigerian diplomatic mission in Saint Lucia.

President of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation, Smart Duah, particularly noted that Nigerians are required to pay $2,500 annually for a work permit, a figure he described as burdensome.

Tinubu responded by stressing  that steps were already being taken to attend to concerts raised diplomatically.

Tinubu called on residents of the land to continue projecting a positive image of the country and maintain the law.

“My plea to you all: continue to be of good behaviour, don’t break the law,” he said, while also reflecting on his time as a student in the United States more than five decades ago, Tinubu advised the diaspora community to remain focused, consistent and hardworking.

“Life is about working hard, being consistent,” he said.

Meanwhile, the President in course of his visit bagged the highest honour of the land as he was decorated by the country’s Prime Minister.