President Bola Tinubu has said Nigeria’s economy is showing signs of recovery, declaring that states are no longer depending on federal government bailout funds to pay workers’ salaries.
Tinubu made the remarks on Friday while receiving members of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum led by Vice President Kashim Shettima during a Sallah homage at his Lagos residence.
According to the President, Nigeria has moved away from the threat of economic collapse and is now witnessing improvements across key sectors of the economy.
“Instead of bankruptcy, Nigeria has survived. The economy has recovered. It is growing. Agriculture is humming. Food is here,” Tinubu said.
The President praised governors for supporting his administration’s economic reforms despite the difficulties experienced during the transition period.
“You kept the spirit, you kept the hope, you persuaded our people to be patient and endure these years of painful reforms while we reset the economy,” he added.
Tinubu recalled the political and legal battles he faced before becoming President, describing the journey as difficult and demanding.
“At the time, I faced the challenge of trying to become President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It was very challenging and tough,” he said.
The President also stated that many governors stood by him without fully knowing the economic measures his administration would later introduce.
“I didn’t disclose to anybody what I would do. Many of you took the risk and went along because of the party platform,” he said.
Tinubu further noted that ongoing infrastructure projects across the country, including developments along the Sokoto-Badagry corridor, would boost agriculture, electricity generation and economic growth.
He stressed that agriculture remains key to achieving food security and urged governors to maximise the agricultural potential within their states.
“I am glad that out of the 27 governors borrowing from the federal government and asking for interventions, we are no longer struggling to pay salaries,” the President stated.
Earlier, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said Tinubu’s reforms had saved 27 states from economic collapse, noting that several states were unable to pay salaries before May 29, 2023.
