President Tinubu Begs Nigerians To Be Patient Amid Economic Hardship

• …says he sees light at end of the tunnel

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has asked Nigerians to be patient over the current economic hardship, saying there’s light at the end of the tunnel.

The president made this statement issued on Wednesday, July 19, 2023, to congratulate Nigerians and Muslims around the world on the new Islamic year – Hijrah 1445.

Nigerians have been faced with more economic hardship occasioned by fresh increases in fuel prices which jumped from N185 to N617 within two months.

Many urged the Tinubu government to in a matter of urgency, ameliorate the suffering as things are getting worse than usual.

But indirectly reacting to the development in the Islamic new year message, Tinubu said; “As we persevere and struggle to confront our present challenges and the temporary pain we experience, I enjoin you to remain hopeful that there is light and prosperity at the end of the tunnel.

“My team and I are leaving no stone unturned in our bid to deliver on the promises we made, in spite of the present difficulties.”

The President appealed to the citizens to imbibe the important values of patience, perseverance and faithfulness, “which were at the roots of the decision by Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) to migrate from Mecca to Madina, 1445 years ago.”

He called for earnest prayers and supplications to God Almighty to direct and protect our path to greatness and prosperity in Nigeria.

“I prayed that the new Hijri Year would usher in a more peaceful and prosperous period in our lives.”

Meanwhile, the President has continued his consultation with key players on how to get the economy on sound footing, according to a statement issued by Aso Rock on Wednesday night.

In this regard, the President and Vice-President Kashim Shettima met with the Senate president, Godswill Akpabio and some Governors, including those of Imo, Kwara, Lagos and Ogun.

Former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State was also part of the meeting, which held in the President’s office at the State House, Abuja.

Presidential spokesman, Dele Alake, says the meeting also looked at how to finalize arrangement on the distribution of palliatives to cushion the effect of the fuel subsidy removal.

The presidency had earlier proposed the distribution of grains and fertilizers to farmers also as part of measures to boost food security in the country.