President Bola Tinubu, on Saturday, defended his administration’s controversial decision to remove the petrol subsidy, asserting that the move was crucial for Nigeria’s long-term development and economic sustainability.
Tinubu, who was speaking during a meeting with stakeholders from the south-east geopolitical zone in Enugu, emphasized the importance of collective responsibility in nation-building.
As part of his first official visit to Enugu, the president inaugurated several key projects initiated by Governor Peter Mbah.
These included 30 smart green schools, 60 completed Type 2 primary health centres, and the 19-kilometre Airport-New Haven–Bisalla and Okpara Square roads.
The initiatives aim to enhance education, healthcare, and infrastructure within the state.
Addressing the stakeholders, Tinubu underscored the necessity of policy decisions that secure Nigeria’s future.
“You are all members of one big, huge family called Nigeria but living in different rooms in the same house,” he said.
“This house, we must build it. Build it to satisfy our immediate need, which is not going to be enough yet but for tomorrow too.”
He described the subsidy removal as unavoidable, stressing the need to avoid burdening future generations with unsustainable expenses.
“You cannot spend the future of generations yet unborn in advance. Don’t bankrupt the nation before they are born,” Tinubu said, adding that he expected resistance to his policies.
Acknowledging the challenges, Tinubu expressed confidence in his ability to lead effectively. “I know people will fight, grumble, and abuse me, and everything, but I asked for the job. I know what it takes. I believe in myself, and I believe I can gather a very good team and build a nation,” he stated.
The president also called for a shift in perception about Nigeria, urging citizens to embrace national pride. “Change the narrative—negative comment about Nigeria. I’m not taking that. I’m very proud of Nigeria. You all should be proud of Nigeria,” he added.
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