President Bola Tinubu has said that Nigeria must start towing the path of self-reliance and stop being dependent on foreign aid to address its economic hardship.
Tinubu made the remark on Wednesday, 29th of May, 2024 while speaking at a Joint session with the Senate and House of Representatives to mark his first year in office.
The president said no amount of aid or donations from foreign countries help Nigeria and it is up to the Nigerian government and people to solve its own problems. He urged the lawmakers to join hands with the executive arm of government to make Nigeria better.
Tinubu said; “Nobody, no aid, no other institution or personality will help us unless we do it ourselves. No number of aid coming from foreign countries or any other nation can do it. They (foreign nations) take care of themselves first. Let us work together to build our nation, not only for us but for generations yet unborn”.
Earlier this year, the president said he was fully aware of the current economic hardship in the country and takes responsibility for the effect of his policies.
Tinubu appealed for patience from Nigerians for the difficulties they have been subjected to on account of government policies, and gave the assurance that there was light at the end of the tunnel.
He said; “Nigeria will survive the current economic challenges. There is light at the end of the tunnel. I requested the job, and I am not complaining about it. I take full responsibility.
“We are meeting our obligations to the international community. To lenders, we have not defaulted, and we are not going to default. We are navigating the twists and bends on the road to Nigeria’s prosperity.
“But, through perseverance, Lagos emerged as the fifth largest economy in the entire continent of Africa. We must manage this moment with wisdom and grow Nigeria responsibly.
“I campaigned for this office to serve Nigeria’s interests and I was elected. Some said I would not last in the tribunal and came up with all sorts of predictions, but even when in court, I remained focused.
“We cannot allow Nigeria’s economy to be exploited. We cannot abandon our economy to marauders. I am determined to re-engineer our finances and curb selfish interests permanently”.
