Minister: Tinubu Took Over Economy In Crisis, Now Driving Major Reforms

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, says President Bola Tinubu inherited a battered economy marked by fiscal pressure, dwindling revenue, exchange rate distortions and long-standing structural weaknesses.

Idris stated this on Friday in Umuahia during the opening of a press briefing on the South-East Regional Security Summit and the achievements of the Tinubu administration.

The summit was organised by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (South-East) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Defence and hosted by the Abia State Government.

*”Difficult But Necessary Reforms”*

Speaking on the economy, the minister said the Tinubu administration met an economy constrained for many years.

“When President Tinubu assumed office, the administration inherited significant economic challenges, including fiscal pressures, declining revenues, exchange rate distortions and structural weaknesses,” Idris stated.

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He added that the removal of fuel subsidy and reforms in the foreign exchange market were part of efforts to build a more transparent, productive and investment-friendly economy.

“Under President Tinubu’s leadership, Nigeria is undergoing major reforms aimed at rebuilding the foundations of a stronger economy, improving infrastructure, expanding opportunities and strengthening national competitiveness,” he said.

The minister noted that the government understood the burden of reforms and had rolled out interventions including support for small businesses, consumer credit, student financing and social protection programmes.

“Our objective is to build an economy where Nigerians can produce more, businesses can expand and opportunities can multiply,” he said.

*South-East Security Summit*

Idris described the South-East Security Summit as a platform that brought together government officials, security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders, youth and other stakeholders to find lasting solutions to insecurity in the region.

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He said the Federal Government recognizes the enormous potential of the South-East and remains committed to creating an enabling environment for businesses and communities to thrive.

“The message from the Federal Government is clear: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is committed to ensuring that every Nigerian, in every part of the country, has the right to live, work and pursue prosperity in a safe and secure environment,” he said.

The minister stressed that addressing security challenges requires more than force. He said it must include law enforcement, intelligence, community engagement and economic empowerment.

“Lasting security cannot be achieved through force alone. Peace and stability are strengthened when citizens have economic opportunities, young people have hope, businesses can thrive and communities have confidence in government,” Idris stated.

He added that President Tinubu has continued to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture through improved support for security agencies, better operational capacity and closer collaboration among federal, state and community stakeholders.

According to him, the Renewed Hope Agenda places security within a broader framework of economic development, infrastructure renewal, human capital investment and social inclusion.

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“A peaceful South-East will attract investment. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains committed to building a Nigeria where every region can realise its potential,” the minister said.