Current Challenges are Temporary, Tinubu Tells Nigerians

* Says petrol subsidy was removed for Nigeria not to collapse

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu has said the current challenges facing Nigeria are only temporary, adding that the removal of subsidy on petrol was imperative to prevent Nigeria’s collapse.

Recall that on assuming office on May 29, Tinubu, in his inauguration speech, said the subsidy on the commodity “is gone”.
The pronouncement swiftly triggered an increase in the petrol pump price, causing nationwide hardship as inflation soared.
Speaking when he hosted a delegation of Muslim leaders from the South-west, led by Rasaki Oladejo, at the Presidential Villa, the president said the removal of the subsidy has caused hardship.

He, however, added that the situation would get better.
He said his administration would do its best to make Nigeria’s economy get better for the benefit of Nigerians.
The president, however, stated that the restoration of the country to its rightful place in the comity of nations requires sacrifice.
“We have to believe in one country; we have to believe in Nigeria. We will do our best, and our economy will get better for the benefit of Nigerians. I am very sure of that, and we are putting in the work to ensure that.”

“It is about our future. We must guarantee our future. Almighty Allah will not give us a burden that we cannot bear. He has put us here for a purpose. It may look difficult; even rough, but it will get better,” presidential spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, quoted the number one citizen as saying.
Tinubu said his administration is putting in the work to ensure that the country’s economy gets better.

 “We avoided it (removing petroleum subsidy) for 40 years. We are all going through the pain now, but for Nigeria not to collapse, we had to remove the subsidy.
“In the history of successful nations, there is nothing more vital than the leadership of a nation making difficult decisions at the right time and for the right reasons. There would have been no money for the subnationals.”

The president commended the leaders for their prayers and support, assuring them that his administration would empower the youth with skills and create an enabling environment for them to prosper.

On his part, the leader of the delegation, Oladejo, commended Tinubu’s courage in removing the subsidy.