President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has asserted that his administration has been able to rescue Nigeria from its economic and security challenges, which it inherited when it took over power in 2023.
Naijaonpoint reports that President Tinubu made this known during an interactive session with Nigerians living in Saint Lucia on Wednesday at the Windjammer Resort in Castries, the island nation’s capital.
According to a statement issued by Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga on Thursday, July 3, the Tinubu government inherited an economy on the brink of collapse and immediately began laying the foundation for long-term stability and investor confidence.
The President assured his audience that despite ongoing challenges, reforms are taking shape and Nigeria is on the path to recovery.
“We inherited a country that was near bankruptcy. But we have been able to rescue the economy. Nigeria has recovered,” Tinubu said.
Speaking on some of the corrective steps his government has taken, Tinubu said oil theft is now being curbed, and foreign exchange management has become more transparent.
“We have made the smuggling of our oil unattractive. We have stopped chasing forex papers at the Central Bank of Nigeria,” he said.
Acknowledging the contributions of Nigerians in the diaspora, Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to their well-being and success.
“For the professionals living here, our government will not abandon you. But you must work hard. It is our job to help you succeed,” the Nigerian leader told the gathering, which included students, professionals, and religious leaders.
Tinubu encouraged the diaspora to project a positive image of Nigeria, urging them to obey local laws and remain focused.
“My plea to you all: continue to be of good behaviour, don’t break the law,” he advised.
Reflecting on his own past as a student in the United States over 50 years ago, Tinubu said: “Life is about working hard, being consistent.”
Naijaonpoint reports that this was Tinubu’s second diaspora meeting in two days, following a similar session held Tuesday night at the official residence of Saint Lucia’s Prime Minister, Philip J. Pierre.
One of the major issues raised at the meeting was the $2,500 annual work permit fee imposed on Nigerians in Saint Lucia.
The President of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation in the country, Smart Duah, described the cost as burdensome and called for immediate intervention.
“We urge the President to urgently establish a diplomatic mission in Saint Lucia,” Duah added.
In response, Tinubu assured the community that diplomatic steps are already underway to address the concerns raised.
Nigerians Making Us Proud – Dabiri-Erewa
In her remark, the chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, commended the Nigerian community for their excellence and resilience in Saint Lucia.
“Nigeria is proud of what you contribute to Saint Lucia,” she said, while thanking President Tinubu for the personal engagement.
Speaking at the event, a paediatrician who has lived in Saint Lucia for nearly 20 years, Dr. Olugbemisola Ogunlusi, expressed gratitude for the President’s visit. She noted that she and her husband, now the head of a federal medical centre in Nigeria, raised children who also became medical doctors.
“Since you arrived, you have propagated Nigeria more than ever thought,” she said.