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President Bola Tinubu has proclaimed that his administration has salvaged Nigeria’s economy from a potential collapse, reassuring Nigerians in Saint Lucia that substantial reforms are aiding in stabilizing the nation and restoring investor confidence.
He mentioned that upon taking office, he encountered a country on the verge of bankruptcy.
This information was shared in a statement by Bayo Onanuga, the President's Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, on Thursday.
During an interactive engagement with members of the Nigerian community at the Windjammer Resort in Castries, Tinubu emphasized the challenging economic circumstances his administration faced and the measures undertaken to rectify them.
He stated, "We inherited a country that was near bankruptcy. However, we have succeeded in rescuing the economy. Nigeria has made a recovery. We have rendered oil smuggling unattractive. We are no longer pursuing forex documents at the Central Bank of Nigeria."
Tinubu acknowledged that while Nigeria's per capita income is still low, the government is enacting policies aimed at promoting inclusive growth and sustaining long-term economic stability.
He added, “To the professionals here, our administration will support you. However, it is crucial that you also put in the effort. It is our role to assist you in achieving success.”
This gathering, which included Nigerian professionals, students, and religious leaders in Saint Lucia, marked the second meeting within two days, with the first taking place on Tuesday evening at the official residence of Saint Lucia’s Prime Minister, Philip J. Pierre.
The Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, provided a platform for the President to directly interact with fellow citizens abroad.
Dabiri-Erewa praised the valuable contributions of Nigerians in Saint Lucia and urged them to keep strong connections with their homeland, stating, “Nigeria is proud of your contributions to Saint Lucia,” and thanked Tinubu for engaging with the community.
During the session, several diaspora members voiced concerns, including the steep cost of work permits and the lack of a Nigerian diplomatic representation in Saint Lucia.
President of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation, Smart Duah, highlighted that Nigerians face an annual fee of $2,500 for a work permit, which he termed excessive.
He called on the President to prioritize establishing a diplomatic presence in the region.
Tinubu replied, affirming that diplomatic measures were already being initiated to address the issue.
A pediatrician, who moved to Saint Lucia almost twenty years ago, Dr. Olugbemisola Ogunlusi, expressed her gratitude for the President's visit, sharing that she and her husband, now the head of a federal medical center in Nigeria, have raised children who have also pursued medicine.
She remarked, “Since you arrived, you have spread the image of Nigeria more than anyone could have imagined,” wishing him a safe journey back home.
A Nigerian priest residing in Saint, Father Festus Iwuagwu, noted that the strong turnout at the meeting spoke volumes about the respect and affection the Nigerian community has for the President.
In his address, Tinubu urged the diaspora to continue presenting a positive image of Nigeria and to stay law-abiding.
He said, “My request to all of you: maintain good behavior, don’t break the law.”
Reflecting on his experiences as a student in the United States more than fifty years ago, Tinubu encouraged the community to remain dedicated, consistent, and hard-working, stating, “Life is about diligent work and consistency.”
As a gesture of gratitude, members of the community gifted the President a custom portrait created by Doris, a medical student and visual artist in Saint Lucia.
