Tinubu Defends Economic Reforms, Says Tough Decisions Were Necessary for Nigeria’s Growth

President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his commitment to the economic reforms initiated since he assumed office in 2023, stating that the difficult choices made were aimed at securing long-term growth and stability for Nigeria. Speaking during a meeting with Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi, a special envoy from the Amir of Qatar, at the State House in Abuja on Friday, Tinubu emphasized that the reforms were not designed to inflict hardship but to reposition the country for prosperity.

He noted that efforts to streamline Nigeria’s tax system have begun yielding positive results, particularly by creating a more conducive environment for foreign investors. “We are making efforts to reform our tax system. Going by the experiences of the past and the need to depart from old ways, our reforms have been hard,” Tinubu said. “I made tough decisions so that we could grow. We are gradually seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.”

In a statement released by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu expressed confidence in Nigeria as a reliable partner for international cooperation. “You can’t find a better partner than Nigeria. I always follow the global issues and your efforts. You have to do more in Nigeria to help fight poverty in the humanitarian area,” he told the Qatari envoy.

Acknowledging Qatar’s strides in building a knowledge-based economy, Tinubu urged for greater collaboration focused on food sovereignty and economic development. He expressed readiness to build on the momentum from his 2024 state visit to Qatar to strengthen bilateral ties and expand opportunities between both nations.