In a meeting with a delegation of South-West Muslim faithful, led by Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu addressed the recent removal of petroleum subsidy, emphasizing the necessity of this step for the nation’s progress and financial stability.

President Tinubu articulated that the policies and programs of his administration are designed to create a fairer, improved, and more honest society. He acknowledged that to achieve these goals, sacrifice is indispensable.

“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. 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,” President Tinubu stated.

He underlined the importance of leadership in making tough decisions for the right reasons and at the right time, asserting that such decisions are crucial for the prosperity of a nation. He noted that without the removal of the subsidy, there would have been insufficient funds for the subnational entities, emphasizing the gravity of the economic situation.

President Tinubu assured Nigerians that the current challenges are temporary and that better days lie ahead. He urged the nation to believe in the unity of Nigeria and expressed his confidence in the ongoing efforts to enhance the country’s economy.

“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,” he affirmed.

Furthermore, President Tinubu commended the leaders for their support and prayers and conveyed his administration’s commitment to empowering the youth with skills and fostering an environment that enables their prosperity.

In response, President of the Ummah, Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo, along with the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, lauded President Tinubu’s courage in removing the petroleum subsidy and initiating necessary, albeit challenging, reforms. He recognized the historical difficulty in taking such a step and expressed confidence in President Tinubu’s leadership.

President Tinubu’s statements underscore the gravity of the economic challenges and the need for decisive actions for the nation’s long-term stability and prosperity.