Nigeria's Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman Ibrahim, has defended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's economic reforms, describing them as necessary and bold decisions that are beginning to deliver results despite the economic difficulties faced by Nigerians. The minister made these comments at a national press conference in Abuja, ahead of the unveiling of a book examining Tinubu's reform agenda. The book, titled The Courage to Reform, showcases the administration's policies and achievements over the past three years.
President Tinubu assumed office on May 29, 2023, amid difficult economic circumstances that demanded decisive action to address structural weaknesses in Nigeria's economy, revenue collection system, and public finances. The minister explained that the petrol subsidy was consuming funds that could otherwise have been invested in essential public services, including education, healthcare, and road infrastructure. She also criticised the existing tax system for placing disproportionate pressure on the people it was meant to protect.
The minister acknowledged the economic hardship triggered by the reforms but maintained that the measures were beginning to produce positive outcomes. She cited improvements in external reserves, easing inflationary pressures, and renewed investor confidence. According to Sulaiman-Ibrahim, the government recognised the sacrifices Nigerian households had made and did not take the difficulties experienced by citizens lightly.
The minister identified the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), the new tax laws, and financial autonomy for local governments as key policies intended to ensure that the gains from the economic reforms reach ordinary Nigerians. The student loan scheme is widening access to higher education for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, while the tax reforms are intended to shield low-income earners and small businesses from excessive taxation.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim stated that President Tinubu had chosen to confront the country's longstanding economic problems rather than transfer the burden to future generations. She said the president's decisions came at a cost, and Nigerian families have felt it, but the sacrifices would ultimately prove worthwhile as the results of the reforms became more evident.
The book, promoted by the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement, examines Tinubu's reform agenda and is titled The Courage to Reform: Architecture of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR – Beyond 2027: Statecraft, Vision for National Renewal. The minister said the book showcases the administration's policies and achievements over the past three years, demonstrating the government's commitment to transparency and accountability.
The minister concluded that the economic reforms were necessary and bold decisions that would ultimately benefit Nigerians. She expressed conviction that the sacrifices made by Nigerian households would not be in vain, as the results of the reforms became more evident. The government, she said, was committed to ensuring that the gains from the economic reforms reach ordinary Nigerians.
Key points
- President Tinubu's economic reforms are beginning to yield results, despite initial economic difficulties.
- The Nigerian government has implemented policies to shield low-income earners and small businesses from excessive taxation.
- The student loan scheme is widening access to higher education for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
