In a recent address, President Bola Tinubu reassured Nigerians that they will soon begin to experience the benefits of the economic reforms implemented by his administration, despite the current hardships stemming from the removal of fuel subsidies and other measures. Speaking at the opening of the 2024 Annual National Management Conference of the Nigerian Institute of Management in Port Harcourt, Tinubu highlighted the necessity of these reforms to stabilize the economy he inherited.

Represented by the Head of Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, Tinubu emphasized that his government has made significant progress in diversifying the economy through investments in critical sectors such as agriculture, technology, and renewable energy. He stated, “In the bid to quickly kick-start and stabilize the weak economy which we inherited, we have taken some hard decisions through the economic reforms introduced so far.”

While acknowledging the pain these changes have caused, he expressed confidence that the sacrifices made by Nigerians would lead to improved economic conditions in the near future. “We recognize the fact that the pains occasioned by these reformative economic policies have been biting hard on the citizenry, but we are convinced that the nation’s economy and the Nigerians will start reaping the benefits of all the sacrifices in no distant time,” he assured.

The conference’s theme, “Economic Stability and National Security: The Contending Issues and the Way Forward,” was seen as particularly relevant, given the intrinsic link between economic health and national security. Tinubu stressed the importance of adopting a multifaceted approach to tackle both economic and security challenges, which include terrorism, banditry, and communal clashes.

He acknowledged the role of the Nigerian Institute of Management in promoting good management practices, stating, “Your commitment to excellence in management is vital, for it is through good management that we can unlock the full potential of our resources and human capital.”

As the country navigates these reforms and the associated challenges, Tinubu’s administration aims to foster an environment conducive to economic growth and security, ultimately improving the lives of Nigerians.