• Tinubu Emphasizes Importance of Tough Choices for National Advancement
• Addresses Nigerians in China Amid Fuel Price Hike, Inflation
• Nigerians Abroad Urged to Contribute to National Development
Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu addressed the recent increase in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, during his speech at the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Beijing’s Great Hall of the People on September 5, 2024.
The President, who spoke to Nigerians residing in China, framed the petrol price hike and other reforms by his administration as essential steps toward Nigeria’s economic growth.
In his address, Tinubu highlighted the necessity of taking bold and unprecedented actions to achieve meaningful development. “Nigeria is going through reforms, and we are taking very bold and unprecedented decisions. For example, you might have been hearing from home in the last few days about fuel prices,” presidential spokesman Ajuri Ngelale quoted Tinubu as saying.
He further explained, “What is the critical part to get us there if we cannot take hard decisions to pave the way for a country that is blessed and so talented? The more you want everything free, it will become more expensive and long-delayed to achieve meaningful development.”
The price of petrol was increased to N855 at retail outlets by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) on Tuesday, leading to long queues at filling stations.
This decision has been met with criticism from various Nigerians and groups demanding a reversal, amid ongoing petrol scarcity and worsening inflation.
Defending the decision, Tinubu emphasized the importance of tough choices for economic prosperity. “But, can we help it? Can we develop good roads like you have here? You see electricity being constant in quantity and quality. You see water supply, constant and running, and you see their good schools. And we say we want to hand over a banner without stain to our children?”
He also noted the role of Nigerians abroad in contributing to the nation’s development. “So many of you are so talented, speaking very fluent Mandarin. It is what you contribute and tell them at home that will reflect in the attitude of our people.”
The President acknowledged the challenges in achieving national consensus but reaffirmed his commitment to making tough decisions for the country’s advancement.
“One economic action leads to another, and it is in your hand to build our nation. Mine is to provide the leadership, and I am committed to doing just that. We are focused, and I have a very good team,” Tinubu concluded.
