President Bola Tinubu has said his administration has rescued Nigeria’s economy from the brink of collapse, assuring Nigerians living in Saint Lucia that significant reforms are stabilising the country and reviving investor confidence.
He said as of the time he assumed office, he inherited a country that was near bankruptcy.
This was disclosed in a statement released by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Thursday.
It was stated that speaking during an interactive session with members of the Nigerian community on Wednesday at the Windjammer Resort in Castries, Tinubu highlighted the difficult economic situation his administration inherited and the steps taken to reverse it.
“We inherited a country that was near bankruptcy.
“But we have been able to rescue the economy. Nigeria has recovered. We have made the smuggling of our oil unattractive.
“We have stopped chasing forex papers at the Central Bank of Nigeria,” Tinubu said.
He acknowledged that although Nigeria’s per capita income remains low, the government is implementing policies to drive inclusive growth and long-term economic stability.
“For the professionals living here, our government will not abandon you. But you must work hard. It is our job to help you succeed,” Tinubu said.
The meeting, which brought together Nigerian professionals, students and religious leaders in Saint Lucia, was the second in two days.
The first was held on Tuesday night at the official residence of Saint Lucia’s Prime Minister, Philip J. Pierre.
Organised by the Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the forum provided an opportunity for the President to directly engage with citizens abroad.
Dabiri-Erewa hailed the positive contributions Nigerians are making in Saint Lucia and encouraged them to maintain strong ties to their homeland.
“Nigeria is proud of what you contribute to Saint Lucia,” she said, thanking Tinubu for meeting with the community.
During the session, several members of the diaspora raised issues of concern, including the high cost of work permits and the absence of a Nigerian diplomatic mission in Saint Lucia.
President of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation, Smart Duah, noted that Nigerians are required to pay $2,500 annually for a work permit, a figure he described as burdensome.
He urged the President to urgently establish a diplomatic presence in the country.
Tinubu responded by affirming that steps were already being taken to address the matter diplomatically.
Dr. Olugbemisola Ogunlusi, a paediatrician who relocated to Saint Lucia nearly two decades ago, expressed her appreciation for the President’s visit.
She said she and her husband, who now heads a federal medical centre in Nigeria, raised children who have also become medical doctors.
“Since you arrived, you have propagated Nigeria more than ever thought,” she told the President, while wishing him a safe journey home.
Father Festus Iwuagwu, a Nigerian priest based in Saint Lucia, said the high turnout at the meeting was a testament to the respect and affection Nigerians in the country have for the President.
In his address, Tinubu urged the diaspora to continue projecting a positive image of Nigeria and remain law-abiding.
“My plea to you all: continue to be of good behaviour, don’t break the law,” he said.
Reflecting on his time as a student in the United States more than five decades ago, Tinubu advised the community to remain focused, consistent and hardworking.
“Life is about working hard, being consistent,” he said.
As a token of appreciation, members of the community presented the President with a custom portrait created by Doris, a medical student and visual artist based in Saint Lucia.
