ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- President Bola Tinubu asserts that his decisive actions in the past seven months, including the removal of the fuel subsidy and reforming the foreign exchange system, were crucial in preventing Nigeria’s financial collapse.
In a nationwide New Yearās message, Tinubu acknowledged the discomfort caused by these decisions but emphasized the necessity of such sacrifices for a brighter future, urging citizens to stay resilient.
āOver the past seven months of our administration, I have taken some difficult and yet necessary decisions to save our country from fiscal catastrophe.
āOne of those decisions was the removal of fuel subsidy, which had become an unsustainable financial burden on our country for more than four decades.
“Another was the removal of the chokehold of few people on our foreign exchange system that benefited only the rich and the most powerful among us.
READ ALSO: Weāll implement New National Minimum Wage In 2024 ā Tinubu
āWithout doubt, these two decisions brought some discomfort to individuals, families and businesses.ā
He said despite the challenges, Nigerians should stand united and committed to building a better Nigeria in 2024
Tinubu said he was aware of the various complaints by Nigerians on the recent reforms introduced by the administration, adding that those are necessary sacrifices the masses must bear for a better future.
āFrom the boardrooms at Broad Street in Lagos to the main streets of Kano and Nembe Creeks in Bayelsa, I hear the groans of Nigerians who work hard every day to provide for themselves and their families.
āI am not oblivious to the expressed and sometimes unexpressed frustrations of my fellow citizens. I know for a fact that some of our compatriots are even asking if this is how our administration wants to renew their hope,ā said the Nigerian leader.
Tinubu added, āDear Compatriots, take this from me: the time may be rough and tough, but our spirit must remain unbowed because tough times never last. We are made for this period, never to flinch, never to falter.
āThe socio-economic challenges of today should energise and rekindle our love and faith in the promise of Nigeria. Our current circumstances should make us resolve to work better for the good of our beloved nation. Our situation should make us resolve that in 2024, each and every one of us will commit to be a better citizen.ā