By Cross Udo, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has declared that he has no regret over the removal of petrol subsidy, insisting that Nigeria cannot return to the economic situation that preceded his administration.
The President said the government took difficult decisions to reposition the economy and would not reverse course, urging Nigerians, particularly youths, to support the reforms and defend the country’s future.
Tinubu spoke on Monday at a forum titled, “Together till 2027: An Evening with Original City Boy,” organised by the City Boy Movement in conjunction with the “Relax, Tinubu Is Fixing Nigeria” movement at the Old Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The event also provided an opportunity for the President to commend the City Boy Movement, whose nationwide youth mobilisation structure he described as a new development in Nigerian politics.
Tinubu said the support of young Nigerians had strengthened his resolve to continue with the reforms despite the hardship and criticism that followed some of the measures.
“When I walked into this hall, I did not see a crowd. I saw Nigeria. I saw why I ran for the presidency of this country. I saw why I wake up every morning to work,” he said.
The President recalled that his administration had taken what he described as hard decisions, including the removal of fuel subsidy, but said he had no regrets about the measures.
He drew an analogy from the biblical account of Moses and the Israelites, saying Nigerians should not expect his administration to return to the economic conditions from which it was trying to move the country.
“You cannot ask Moses to go back to Egypt. We wake up with ideas, original thoughts and deep thinking to move this country forward. With your energy and support, we will never go back to Egypt,” Tinubu said.
He said the economy was now on a positive trajectory, citing growth of about 4.6 per cent and expressing optimism that Nigerians would have a future to believe in.
Tinubu also framed the 2027 election as a contest over the future of Nigeria, rather than merely a struggle for political office.
“Nigeria must win this election before any candidate does. You are not campaigning for me. You are campaigning for your own future, and that future is Renewed Hope,” he said.
The President said his administration inherited severe financial challenges when it assumed office, including difficulties meeting obligations, strained relations with airlines and weak foreign reserves.
He said the government had responded by rebuilding the tax system and pursuing reforms aimed at strengthening the economy, maintaining that Nigeria could not borrow its way to sustainable prosperity.
Tinubu also recalled his commitment to addressing the recurring disruption of university education, saying he had promised to end the prolonged strikes by the Academic Staff Union of Universities so students could complete four-year programmes within four years.
He commended Nigerians who remained patient with the administration and supported its policies despite the economic difficulties.
According to him, many young Nigerians defended the government in markets, campuses, motor parks and on social media when such support was unpopular.
The President specifically praised the City Boy Movement for what he described as an organised grassroots structure extending across the country.
“You did not just gather people. You built a structure with millions of real, verifiable members, with a presence in every state, every local government, every ward, down to the polling unit,” he said.
He also commended the movement’s call centre and City Boy Care initiative, saying they demonstrated a model of youth engagement that combined political organisation with community outreach.
“That is not noise. That is organisation. That is excellent thinking. That is the kind of seriousness this country needs from its young people,” Tinubu said.
Tinubu said the movement had taken the administration’s message to different parts of the country, while acknowledging the contributions of youth support groups operating in Nigeria and abroad.
He listed support networks from Lagos and other parts of the country, as well as groups operating in London, Houston and Toronto.
The President said the various youth groups had contributed to promoting the administration’s message and building support for what he described as a united Nigeria.
He assured members of the City Boy Movement, particularly youths who had supported him, that they would not be excluded from the future of the country.
“The future of this country does not belong to me, and it does not belong to my generation. It belongs to you,” Tinubu said.
The President also praised his son, Seyi Tinubu, the patron of the City Boy Movement, for devoting his time to organising young Nigerians.
Tinubu said he was proud that Seyi had undertaken the mobilisation without asking for a political title or government office.
“He is running after his father. Your young colleagues would have seen that you are investing your time effectively. We are with you,” the President said.
He, however, urged his son to do more and serve harder, saying his present efforts should be regarded as the beginning of a longer journey.
Tinubu subsequently urged the youths to ensure that eligible Nigerians obtained their Permanent Voter Cards and participated in the 2027 election.
He asked them to communicate the achievements and plans of the administration while campaigning with ideas.
“Tell them what we have done, and tell them what we will do. Campaign with your ideas,” he said.
The President again defended the removal of subsidy, saying the government had no choice because, according to him, there was nothing left to sustain the subsidy regime.
*Economy would have collapsed — Shettima
Vice President Kashim Shettima said the Nigerian economy would have collapsed had Tinubu failed to take what he described as far-reaching decisions at the beginning of his administration.
Shettima said the President demonstrated the courage and conviction required to implement measures that repositioned the economy, despite the political consequences of such decisions.
He cited economic growth of 4.43 per cent in the latest quarter and said foreign reserves were now hovering around $60 billion.
“The President took those far-reaching decisions. He had the courage of conviction and the knowledge to take those far-reaching decisions that repositioned the Nigerian economy,” Shettima said.
The Vice President acknowledged the hardship Nigerians had experienced but argued that the situation could have been significantly worse without the reforms.
He urged supporters of the administration to defend its policies, saying critics would have been discussing a collapsed economy if the President had failed to act.
“Your Excellency, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, the President has to be commended, not demonised. Yes, Nigerians have gone through some tough times, but it could have been worse,” Shettima said.
Shettima also assured Nigerians that the administration would introduce measures to address agricultural challenges and reduce food prices.
He cited the Nigerian Education Loan Fund and infrastructure investments as part of the government’s efforts to reposition the country, while urging young Nigerians to communicate the administration’s message to others.
“I urge the youth of Nigeria. I beseech thee. I implore you to go out to the streets and tell the truth to other Nigerians,” he said.
*City Boy pledges support
The Director-General of the City Boy Movement, Francis Shoga, pledged the organisation’s continued support for the administration, saying Nigerian youths were ready to work and participate actively in national development.
Shoga said the movement was committed to promoting unity, patriotism and responsible participation, describing its members as partners in the effort to transform the country.
He said the organisation would continue to inform, engage, inspire and empower young Nigerians to understand government policies, identify available opportunities and participate confidently in national development.
