- The president pledged to replicate quality infrastructure in Nigeria.
- He also sought collaboration with Nigerians in diaspora for development.
President Bola Tinubu has said the increase in petrol price is a “bold and unprecedented decision” necessary for the country’s development.
During a gathering with Nigerians in Beijing, China, on Friday, President Tinubu shared his vision for Nigeria’s economic future.
According to a statement released by Ajuri Ngelale, the President’s spokesperson, Tinubu explained that recent reforms, including the fuel price increase, are key components of a comprehensive plan to drive economic expansion and prosperity in Nigeria.
“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,” the president was quoted as saying.
“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?
“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?
“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 more you want everything free, it will become more expensive and long-delayed to achieve meaningful development.’’
On September 3, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited increased the pump price of petrol to N855 across its retail outlets amid long queues at filling stations.
The development followed a protracted scarcity which has strained business activities nationwide.
Media reports attributed the price adjustment to a directive of the federal government asking the NNPC to sell at N1,000 but Heineken Lokpobiri, minister for petroleum resources (oil), said the ministry never gave the national oil company such a directive.
Tinubu said while it is not always easy to have a national consensus on issues, he is ready to take the hard decisions to move the nation forward.
“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,” the president said.
NIGERIA WILL REPLICATE CHINA’S INFRASTRUCTURE SUCCESS – TINUBU
Tinubu also said that he is committed to replicating China’s infrastructure in Nigeria.
He said that one key takeaway from his visit to China is the commitment to replicate China’s infrastructure back home.
“We want our children to be in good schools, not tattered huts and dilapidated buildings. We must make our teaching innovative and allow businesses of all kinds and sizes to flourish.
“One economic action leads to another, and it is in your hands to build our nation. Mine is to provide the leadership, and I am committed to doing just that,” the President stated.
Also, addressing members of Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation in China (NIDO China) and the Nigerian community at the China World Hotel, the President emphasised his efforts to strengthen cooperation in infrastructure, trade, finance, energy, green economy and mining during his discussions with President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang and his participation at the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
“What is uppermost in my mind is for you to continue representing Nigeria as good citizens, and I urge you all to be good ambassadors of our nation in China.
“We will always celebrate our diversity. We cherish it, but this diversity is our commitment to serve. If it is about service, we must be good citizens,” the President stated.
Tinubu also emphasised the importance of discipline and commitment to national service, citing China’s disciplined society as an example for Nigerians to follow.
“I cannot tell you more, except from the embassy, that China is a very disciplined society and we have to be disciplined too. Without discipline and commitment, we cannot build a nation that is respected everywhere in the world.
“We must exploit our diversity and be ready to do everything required of us within the laws of the communities that we live in and reflect a good image of our country,” the President said.