Would you like to receive notifications on latest updates of the following headlines?

We Rendered Oil Smuggling Unattractive, A New Era for Nigeria's Economy - Tinubu

POSTED ON July 3, 2025 •   POLITICS      BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has proclaimed that his administration has salvaged Nigeria’s economy from a potential collapse, reassuring Nigerians in Saint Lucia that substantial reforms are aiding in stabilizing the nation and restoring investor confidence.

He mentioned that upon taking office, he encountered a country on the verge of bankruptcy.

This information was shared in a statement by Bayo Onanuga, the President's Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, on Thursday.

During an interactive engagement with members of the Nigerian community at the Windjammer Resort in Castries, Tinubu emphasized the challenging economic circumstances his administration faced and the measures undertaken to rectify them.

He stated, "We inherited a country that was near bankruptcy. However, we have succeeded in rescuing the economy. Nigeria has made a recovery. We have rendered oil smuggling unattractive. We are no longer pursuing forex documents at the Central Bank of Nigeria."

Tinubu acknowledged that while Nigeria's per capita income is still low, the government is enacting policies aimed at promoting inclusive growth and sustaining long-term economic stability.

He added, “To the professionals here, our administration will support you. However, it is crucial that you also put in the effort. It is our role to assist you in achieving success.”

This gathering, which included Nigerian professionals, students, and religious leaders in Saint Lucia, marked the second meeting within two days, with the first taking place on Tuesday evening at the official residence of Saint Lucia’s Prime Minister, Philip J. Pierre.

The Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa,  provided a platform for the President to directly interact with fellow citizens abroad.

Dabiri-Erewa praised the valuable contributions of Nigerians in Saint Lucia and urged them to keep strong connections with their homeland, stating, “Nigeria is proud of your contributions to Saint Lucia,” and thanked Tinubu for engaging with the community.

During the session, several diaspora members voiced concerns, including the steep cost of work permits and the lack of a Nigerian diplomatic representation in Saint Lucia.

President of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation, Smart Duah, highlighted that Nigerians face an annual fee of $2,500 for a work permit, which he termed excessive.

He called on the President to prioritize establishing a diplomatic presence in the region.

Tinubu replied, affirming that diplomatic measures were already being initiated to address the issue.

A pediatrician, who moved to Saint Lucia almost twenty years ago, Dr. Olugbemisola Ogunlusi, expressed her gratitude for the President's visit, sharing that she and her husband, now the head of a federal medical center in Nigeria, have raised children who have also pursued medicine.

She remarked, “Since you arrived, you have spread the image of Nigeria more than anyone could have imagined,” wishing him a safe journey back home.

A Nigerian priest residing in Saint, Father Festus Iwuagwu, noted that the strong turnout at the meeting spoke volumes about the respect and affection the Nigerian community has for the President.

In his address, Tinubu urged the diaspora to continue presenting a positive image of Nigeria and to stay law-abiding.

He said, “My request to all of you: maintain good behavior, don’t break the law.”

Reflecting on his experiences as a student in the United States more than fifty years ago, Tinubu encouraged the community to remain dedicated, consistent, and hard-working, stating, “Life is about diligent work and consistency.”

As a gesture of gratitude, members of the community gifted the President a custom portrait created by Doris, a medical student and visual artist in Saint Lucia.

READ ALSO
PDP Shifts National Convention to November, Picks Ibadan Amid Internal Power Struggle
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 24, 2025 0

Abuja, Nigeria  – The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has announced the postpo...

READ ALSO
APC Appoints Yilwatda Nentawe as Chairman, Declares 2027 a ‘Done Deal
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 24, 2025 0

Abuja, Nigeria – The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC)...

READ ALSO
APC's National Assembly Power Grows to 70 with PDP Senator Defections
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 23, 2025 0

The number of All Progressives Congress (APC) senators in the National Assembly increased to 70 on W...

READ ALSO
APC Set to Appoint New National Chairman at Thursday's NEC Meeting
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 23, 2025 0

A new National Chairman for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) may be appointed on Thursday...

READ ALSO
Baba-Ahmed Pledges Unity in Labour Party Ahead of 2027 Elections
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 21, 2025 0

The former vice-presidential candidate for the Labour Party (LP), Datti Baba-Ahmed, has committed to...

READ ALSO
Atiku's Departure Sparks Fresh Hope for PDP Aspirants
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 21, 2025 0

As the race for the 2027 presidential ticket of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) intensifie...

READ ALSO
NNPP, APC Hold Primaries for Jigawa Rep By-Election
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 20, 2025 0

The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) have held their primary...

READ ALSO
Governor Otti Warns Against Economic Strain from Proposed 31 New States
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 19, 2025 0

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, expressed that the proposal for creating an additional 31 states, as...

OUR CHANNELS:

PDP Shifts National Convention to November, Picks Ibadan Amid Internal Power Struggle
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 25, 2025 0

Abuja, Nigeria  – The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has announced the postpo...


APC Appoints Yilwatda Nentawe as Chairman, Declares 2027 a ‘Done Deal
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 25, 2025 0

Abuja, Nigeria – The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC)...


Osun APC, PDP Clash Over Governor Adeleke's Failed Defection Attempt
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 25, 2025 0

The Osun State branches of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the People’s Democratic Par...


Court Reinstates Benue CJ, Criticizes Alia
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 25, 2025 0

The National Industrial Court in Abuja, on Wednesday, ruled that the Benue State House of Assembly's...


LASG Announces Five Major Road Projects in Alimosho to Be Completed by 2025
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 25, 2025 0

The Lagos State Government has revealed that five significant road projects in the Alimosho Local Go...


Electricity Tariffs: Power Firms Push Back Against State Negotiations
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 25, 2025 0

On Wednesday, energy commissioners from all 36 states announced their willingness to engage with pow...


Two Businessmen Sentenced to Two Years in Prison for Cybercrime
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 25, 2025 0

A Federal High Court located in Ikoyi, Lagos, has sentenced two businesspersons, Emmanuel Nwanze and...


Nigeria Police Force Dismantles Notorious Arms Supply Network Linked to Bandits
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 23, 2025 0

The Nigeria Police Force has successfully intercepted a notorious arms supply network linked to armi...


Maduka Okoye Suspended for Two Months Amid Betting Scandal
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 25, 2025 0

Udinese and Nigerian goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has received a two-month suspension from the Italian Fo...


APC's National Assembly Power Grows to 70 with PDP Senator Defections
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 24, 2025 0

The number of All Progressives Congress (APC) senators in the National Assembly increased to 70 on W...


More Articles

Load more...

Menu