President Bola Tinubu has opened up on the difficult path that led to his emergence as Nigeria’s President, describing it as a challenging journey marked by sacrifices, risks and unwavering determination.
The President spoke on Friday at his Lagos residence while receiving members of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, led by Vice President Kashim Shettima, who paid him a Sallah homage.
Reflecting on his political journey, Tinubu said he faced numerous obstacles in his quest to become President but remained resolute despite the challenges.
He expressed appreciation to governors and political allies who stood by him during the period, praising their loyalty, patience and resilience.
According to him, the struggle for the presidency tested the commitment of many of his supporters, some of whom took significant political risks to support his ambition.
“Instead of avoiding the challenge, I faced it head-on. I took a very hard punch in the chin. We remained united throughout the period I sought to become President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It was a difficult journey, but many of you kept faith and stayed the course,” Tinubu said.
The President noted that he embarked on the campaign with determination and confidence, adding that several supporters joined him despite uncertainties surrounding the political process.
Tinubu also defended his administration’s decision to remove fuel subsidy, insisting that the move prevented Nigeria from sliding into bankruptcy and laid the foundation for economic recovery.
Speaking during the gathering, which also marked the third anniversary of his administration and the Eid-el-Kabir celebration, the President acknowledged that the subsidy removal brought hardship to many Nigerians but maintained that it was a necessary sacrifice.
He said the government faced criticism, legal battles and accusations after implementing the policy but stressed that the country has since begun to witness positive economic outcomes.
“It was a difficult period, but we survived. We faced litigation and various allegations, yet we remained focused. Rather than heading towards bankruptcy, Nigeria survived. Today, the economy is recovering, growing and agriculture is expanding,” he stated.
Tinubu said reforms introduced over the last three years are beginning to deliver results, pointing to ongoing infrastructure projects, improved economic indicators and growing opportunities in agriculture.
He commended state governors for supporting the administration’s reform agenda and encouraging citizens to remain patient despite economic pressures.
The President thanked Nigerians for their understanding and perseverance, noting that the temporary hardships associated with the reforms are gradually giving way to long-term benefits.
According to him, policy changes in infrastructure development, agriculture, social investment programmes, foreign exchange management and fiscal reforms are helping to restore investor confidence and strengthen the economy.
Tinubu also expressed satisfaction that many states are now in a stronger financial position and no longer rely heavily on federal government interventions to meet salary obligations and other responsibilities.
He highlighted improvements in macroeconomic indicators and ongoing road construction projects across the country, adding that several abandoned infrastructure projects have been revived and completed.
The President further expressed optimism about the future of the housing and agricultural sectors, stressing that Nigeria can attain food security and self-sufficiency if states effectively utilise their vast agricultural resources.
“The housing sector is improving steadily, and agriculture will flourish again. If we make proper use of the available land across our states, Nigeria will achieve food sovereignty,” he said.
Tinubu assured Nigerians that his administration would continue implementing policies designed to ease hardship, create jobs, boost food production and sustain economic growth for the benefit of all citizens.
Among those present at the meeting were governors from Lagos, Nasarawa, Jigawa, Sokoto, Kebbi, Taraba, Niger, Ekiti, Delta, Ondo, Edo, Adamawa, Benue, Enugu, Ogun and Kogi states, as well as the deputy governors of Borno and Kano states.
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