President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said Nigeria has overcome significant economic difficulties, stating that state governors no longer rely on bank loans to pay workers’ salaries.
The President made the remarks on Monday night while hosting religious and traditional leaders at an interfaith breaking of the fast at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The event was organised as part of activities during the Ramadan fasting period.
Speaking during the gathering, Tinubu said his administration inherited major economic challenges but has taken steps to stabilise the country’s finances.
He said the situation has improved and that the country is gradually recovering from the difficulties it faced.
“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,” the President said.
Tinubu added that the economy had begun to improve, noting that pensioners are gradually receiving relief.
“It is getting better. Pensioners are getting their relief gradually. We have saved Nigeria from bankruptcy. It was very daunting and challenging when we took over,” he said.
The President stated that one of the developments reflecting the improvement is that governors are no longer going to banks to obtain loans in order to pay workers’ salaries.
“But today, I can say with pride and joy that we have survived. No governor in this country is running around the banks to borrow money to pay the salaries of their workers,” Tinubu said.
Tinubu also assured Nigerians that the country would not allow forces seeking to undermine its peace, unity and sovereignty to succeed.
He acknowledged the role of religious and traditional leaders in promoting stability and moral guidance in communities across the country.
Speaking at the event, the Etsu Nupe, Yahaya Abubakar, who represented the President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs and the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, thanked the President for bringing leaders of the two major religions together for the interfaith event.
Christian leaders present at the gathering also assured the President of their support for efforts aimed at improving the country’s economy and strengthening national security.
They included the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, and the President of the Evangelical Church Winning All, Rev. Stephen Baba-Panya.
The gathering concluded with prayers for peace, unity and continued progress in the country
