I’m happy states no longer struggle to pay salaries - Tinubu

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu declared on Friday that the nation's economy is on a recovery path, asserting that states no longer struggle to meet salary obligations without federal assistance. Speaking at his Lagos residence while receiving members of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Tinubu reflected on his challenging journey to the presidency, acknowledging the political and legal hurdles he overcame.

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At the time, I faced the challenge of trying to become the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It was very, very challenging. It was tough, for those who were in the party with me. Some kept faith, and instead of dodging the bullets, I took it. I took the point in the chin. Very hard work.

"It was very, very challenging. It was tough, for those who were in the party with me. Some kept faith, and instead of dodging the bullets, I took it. I took the point in the chin. Very hard work," he said. The President noted that many governors and party members demonstrated faith in him and the party's platform, even without knowing the specific policies his administration would enact.

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Instead of bankruptcy, Nigeria has survived. The economy has recovered. It is growing. Agriculture is humming. Food is here.

Tinubu emphasized that Nigeria has averted economic collapse and is now showing clear signs of recovery and growth. "Instead of bankruptcy, Nigeria has survived. The economy has recovered. It is growing. Agriculture is humming. Food is here," he stated. He commended the governors for their role in maintaining public confidence during the implementation of his administration’s economic reforms, urging patience through what he described as three years of "painful reforms."

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You kept the spirit, you kept the hope, you persuaded our people to be patient, to endure these three years of painful reforms, while we put the economy on reset. Today, the benefit is showing. The economy has recovered, macroeconomic indices are doing very well.

"Today, the benefit is showing. The economy has recovered, macroeconomic indices are doing very well," Tinubu said, pointing to ongoing construction and rehabilitation of roads and infrastructure, and a burgeoning housing industry. He specifically noted the improved financial standing of many states, stating, "I am glad that out of the 27 governors borrowing from the federal government and asking for interventions, we are no longer struggling to pay salaries. No more."

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I am glad that out of the 27 governors borrowing from the federal government and asking for interventions, we are no longer struggling to pay salaries. No more.