PRESIDENT Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared that Nigeria has overcome some of its toughest economic challenges, stating that state governors across the country no longer resort to bank loans to pay workers’ salaries.
The President made the remark on Monday while hosting religious and traditional leaders to an interfaith breaking of the fast at the Presidential Villa Abuja.
The development was disclosed in a statement sent to News Point Nigeria by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
Addressing the gathering, President Tinubu expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead the country and assured Nigerians that his administration would continue to pursue policies aimed at sustaining economic growth and prosperity.
“I am just grateful, one person among millions, that I have been given the opportunity to serve. And all I can do is promise that I will continue to be faithful in discharging my duty,” Tinubu said.
“I can report that the economy has turned the corner. It is getting better. Pensioners are getting their relief gradually. We have saved Nigeria from bankruptcy.”
According to the President, the economic situation inherited by his administration was extremely challenging but has since improved due to ongoing reforms.
“It was very daunting and challenging when we took over. But today I can say with pride and joy that we have survived,” he said.
Tinubu added that one clear indicator of economic recovery is that state governments no longer depend on emergency borrowing to meet salary obligations.
“No governor in this country is running around the banks to borrow money to pay the salaries of their workers,” the President stated.
The President also used the occasion to address security concerns across the country, assuring Nigerians that the government would not allow forces seeking to destabilise the nation to succeed.
Tinubu acknowledged that terrorist groups remain desperate but insisted that security forces are intensifying operations against them.
“Yes, we are challenged; the terrorists are very desperate now because they are getting barraged and defeated. They leave trails of blood in their wake,” he said.
“But I assure you of one thing: Nigeria will never surrender. We are not discouraged. We are going to win and win well.”
Reaffirming his administration’s priorities, the President said the government would continue to invest heavily in critical sectors such as agriculture and education.
He explained that strengthening these sectors is vital to ensuring long-term national development and securing a better future for younger generations.
Tinubu urged Nigerians to remain hopeful, assuring them that the government is working towards building a safer, more secure and prosperous nation.
Speaking on behalf of Islamic leaders, the Yahaya Abubakar commended the President for bringing together leaders of different faiths for the breaking of the fast.
He noted that the gathering symbolised unity and religious harmony in Nigeria.
The Etsu Nupe represented the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs and its President-General, the Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar.
He offered prayers for divine guidance, protection and peace in the country, as well as success for the President in steering the affairs of the nation.
Christian leaders also used the occasion to reaffirm their support for the administration.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) was represented by its President, Daniel Okoh, alongside Stephen Baba-Panya, President of the Evangelical Church Winning All.
They assured the President that the Christian community would continue to support the government’s efforts to transform the economy and strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.
The interfaith breaking of the fast brought together traditional rulers and religious leaders drawn from Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
The event, according to the Presidency, was aimed at strengthening unity, promoting dialogue among faith groups and reinforcing national cohesion during the holy period of fasting observed by Muslims.