President Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerians that the economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies, will soon yield positive results despite the current hardships they may be facing. Speaking at the 2024 Annual National Management Conference of the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM) in Port Harcourt, Tinubu, represented by the Head of Service of the Federation, Didi Esther Walson-Jack, emphasized that these reforms are necessary to stabilize the weak economy he inherited.
Tinubu highlighted that his administration has made notable progress in sectors like agriculture, technology, and renewable energy. He acknowledged the difficulties brought on by policy changes, such as the floating of the naira and the removal of fuel subsidies, but stressed that the sacrifices made by citizens will soon pay off. “We are convinced that the nation’s economy will start reaping the benefits of all the sacrifices in no distant time,” he said.
The president lauded the contributions of professional managers at the event, emphasizing the importance of good management practices in unlocking Nigeria’s potential. The theme of the conference, “Economic Stability and National Security: The Contending Issues and the Way Forward,” was praised as timely, aligning with the government’s eight-point agenda to drive economic growth and improve citizens’ lives.
Tinubu also addressed Nigeria’s security challenges, noting the intrinsic link between economic health and national security. He called for a multifaceted approach to tackle insecurity, including strengthening community policing, improving intelligence, and addressing root causes like poverty and unemployment.
In her remarks, NIM President Christiana Atako stressed the need for collective action to address Nigeria’s economic and security issues. She highlighted the adverse effects of oil theft, environmental degradation, and regional disparities, while calling for the development of non-oil sectors and investment in education, healthcare, and skills training.
The keynote speaker, Dr. Ajoritsedere Awosika, echoed these sentiments, noting that unemployment, especially among youth, poses a threat to both the economy and national security. She urged a coordinated effort to address the country’s challenges and safeguard its future.
