Tinubu Defends Subsidy Removal, Economic Reforms President Stands Firm Before World Bank Officials President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has doubled down on his decision to remove fuel and foreign exchange subsidies. He says the move was tough but necessary. And clearly, there is no reverse gear.
Tinubu spoke during a meeting with officials of the World Bank. He told them his administration took the hard decisions in the best interest of Nigeria. According to him, the country cannot keep postponing reforms and expect a different result.
In simple terms, government don stop patching holes. The real work don start.
“The Pain Is Real, But the Fix Is Needed”
The President admitted what Nigerians already know. The early days of the reforms have been painful. Prices went up. Life became harder for many families.
Still, Tinubu insisted that meaningful progress does not come easy.
He said Nigeria cannot afford to walk away from difficult choices just because they bite at the beginning. In his words, reform needs courage, consistency, and patience.
Put plainly: no pain, no gain.
World Bank on Nigeria’s Economic Reforms: https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/nigeria
Why Subsidies Had to Go
Tinubu explained that fuel and forex subsidies were draining the economy. They created distortions. They encouraged waste. And over time, they weakened national growth.
According to him, removing them was not about punishment. It was about fixing deep structural problems that have held Nigeria down for decades.
He made it clear. The decision stands. There is no looking back.
Agriculture, Youth, and Mechanisation in Focus Looking ahead, Tinubu outlined where the reforms are headed.
First, agriculture. He said Nigeria has vast arable land that remains underused. This, he believes, is a big opportunity waiting to be unlocked.
Second, youth empowerment. With a large young population, Tinubu said the country must turn its youth into producers, not job seekers.
Nigeria’s Agriculture Potential: https://www.fao.org/nigeria
Third, mechanisation. The President stressed the need for modern farming tools and systems to boost output and cut losses.
Support for Farmers Gets a Boost Tinubu also spoke about direct support for farmers. His plans include:
Better seedlings
Access to fertilisers
Regional mechanisation centres
Expansion of small farmers into cooperatives
According to him, these steps will help farmers grow more food, earn better income, and access markets faster.
No more small-small farming with big problems.
Reform Is a Journey, Not a One-Off The President ended on a firm note. Economic reform, he said, is a continuous process.
“We have our hands on the plough,” Tinubu said, adding that his government will stay the course.
For Nigerians watching closely, the message is clear. The road is rough. But the steering wheel is steady.
