President Bola Tinubu on Thursday reiterated his administration’s efforts in tackling smuggling and corruption that have bedevilled the nation.
Tinubu, who spoke at the the commissioning of the Lagos Red Line Train on Thursday, said there is no going back on the economic policies of his administration.
“I agree smugglers will fight back, corruption will fight back. We will fight them to ruin. Corruption will go away, save the money for you to educate our children, to pay for the healthcare system of our people, to pay for the modern transportation system that works for highest number of people, not those few smugglers,” Tinubu said.
“We said we can do it, you believed in us. We said the people’s lives will end up being better, you believed in us. I could hear a lot of voices right now, I asked for this job, I cannot complain, it’s all about democracy.
“But this revolution that has started, this reform that is ongoing, we are not looking back. The engineering, the construction, the affirmation of our pledge to be loyal to our country. There is one thing I know is that there is a very bright light at the end of the tunnel.”
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Upon his swearing in last year, the President ended subsidy on petrol, a situation that has led to the soaring cost of living that necessitated protests in several parts of the country. Nigerians are suffering an economic crisis and soaring prices have left many people struggling to afford food.
Ending the subsidy was the first economic measure taken by Tinubu, who sees the subsidy as unsustainable financial waste costing the state billions of dollars yearly, and allowing massive smuggling of subsidised gasoline to neighbouring countries.
Also at the commissioning, the President took a swipe at the labour unions in the country, calling on them to maintain peace.
Two days ago, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) held a nationwide protest over the economic hardship in the country.
“The Labour Union should understand that no matter how long we cling to our freedom and rights, the first strike within nine months of an administration is unacceptable.
“If you want to participate in the electoral process, wait until 2027. If not maintain peace. You are not the only voice of Nigerians,” Tinubu said.
The President hailed the Lagos Red Line Rail, saying the state government was guided by the right leadership and with a focus to work for the people.
“I am pleased to declare to you that the momentum of greatness that we kick-started a quarter of a century ago has since become an unstoppable goal,” he said of the process that led to the completion of the intra-state rail service is aimed at improving transportation within the city, spans 37 kilometres. It is not a crime to dream and dream big; just stay focused and stay on course.”
The President also used the occasion to address Nigerians, and pledging that things will get better.
He said, “I speak to Nigerians through this podium that change is possible, and change we must achieve. Progress we must achieve. It is not about a single individual. It is about the highest growing population in the world.”
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Last modified: February 29, 2024
