Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has described Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic reforms as a “tough but necessary medicine” for Nigeria’s struggling economy, urging citizens to endure the current hardship with hope for renewal.
Speaking in Awka during the Independence Day March Past to mark Nigeria’s 65th anniversary on Wednesday, Soludo commended Tinubu for what he called courageous decisions, including the removal of fuel subsidies, harmonisation of exchange rates, redesign of fiscal and tax policies, and other structural adjustments.
According to him, these reforms were inevitable after years of economic distortions that had been “papered over,” noting that while they come with painful short-term disruptions, they lay the foundation for long-term prosperity.
“These reforms, obviously, in the short term, are bound to have some disruptive effects, including unanticipated pains and hardships. However, they are a necessary medicine for an economy long distorted and papered over. This is the time we must rebuild our nation on a firmer foundation,” Soludo said.
READ MORE: Nigeria Has Experienced Bad Times, But That’s Normal — Tinubu at 65th Independence Day Speech
His remarks come amid widespread complaints from Nigerians over the rising cost of living following the fuel subsidy removal and naira devaluation. Transport fares, food prices, rent, and electricity tariffs have soared in recent months, with many families struggling to afford basic necessities.
Labour unions have also staged protests over what they describe as unbearable economic pressure on workers and the poor.
Despite this, Soludo encouraged Nigerians to remain steadfast and patriotic, stressing that beyond the present difficulties lies a stronger economy, a more resilient currency, and resources that would serve the many rather than the privileged few.
The governor further urged citizens to support the reforms by obeying the law and paying taxes, describing it as the path toward national renewal.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s 65 years of independence, Soludo said the country’s journey had been one of “triumphs and trials, progress and setbacks,” but that the resilience of its people remained unshaken.
While Soludo calls for patience and patriotism, many Nigerians question how long they can endure reforms that appear to protect the rich and punish the poor.
One user, @frankekechukwu, wrote:
“Every reform of Mr Tinubu has brought hardship and suffering.”
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