President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed optimism regarding his administration’s progress despite the challenges facing the country, asserting that Nigeria has the potential to excel on the African continent.
During a meeting with Bank of America officials at the State House, Tinubu, as conveyed by his Special Adviser, Dele Alake, reaffirmed his government’s dedication to implementing reforms that would foster sustainable growth and development in Nigeria.
“We believe we are on the right track so far. We believe we need all the help we can get,” stated the President, as he sought support and partnership from the bank’s management to achieve mutual benefits for Nigeria and the financial institution.
Tinubu emphasized that the country’s governance and development challenges necessitate fiscal and institutional reforms. He acknowledged the interconnection between 21st-century actions on climate change, finance, and innovation, highlighting the significance of having a solid foundation and embracing innovation to drive reforms and address the pertinent issues.
“As the largest economy and democracy in Africa, if we cannot do it, nobody will do it for us,” he asserted, underscoring the importance of collaboration and calling upon the bank and other willing financial institutions to assist Nigeria. One example he cited was partnering to ensure Nigerian gas competes favorably in the global market, serving as a viable source of alternative revenue.
Shortly after assuming office, President Tinubu announced key reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of the foreign exchange window. These policies led to immediate macroeconomic effects, such as price increases for transportation, goods, and services.
President Tinubu’s remarks demonstrate his confidence in the direction of his administration and his determination to address crucial issues through reforms, while also seeking support from financial institutions to bolster Nigeria’s progress.