Tinubu Inherited A Comatose Economy But Refused To Lament – Envoy

Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Samson Itegboje, has said President Bola Tinubu inherited a “comatose economy” alongside widespread insecurity but chose to take decisive action instead of complaining.

Speaking at an award dinner organised at Nigeria House in New York to mark the country’s 65th Independence anniversary, Itegboje said the president met serious challenges upon assuming office, including banditry, kidnapping, terrorism, and clashes between herders and farmers.

“The president inherited a comatose economy. He inherited banditry, kidnapping, terrorism, herders and farmers clashes and all sorts of vices. He did not go into lamentation. He rolled up his sleeves and went to work,” he said.

The envoy highlighted Tinubu’s decision to remove fuel subsidy and reform the foreign exchange system, describing both as necessary steps to curb corruption and restore fiscal discipline.

“At that point, we were servicing debt with 97 percent of our revenue. I was surprised we didn’t go into recession,” he noted.

While admitting that the reforms initially worsened inflation and increased hardship, Itegboje said the measures are now yielding results. According to him, the naira has stabilised, prices of goods are gradually reducing, and Nigeria’s foreign reserves have risen to over $42 billion — the highest in five years.

He also commended Tinubu’s efforts to grant full autonomy to local governments, describing it as a step toward grassroots development.

“With the autonomy now in place, we can begin to have growth from the bottom up,” he said.

Itegboje further cited the creation of the Ministry of Livestock Development and the proposed establishment of state police as bold policies aimed at ending farmer-herder conflicts and improving security.

Addressing Nigerians in the diaspora, the diplomat urged them to stop “de-marketing” the country and instead contribute positively to its development.

“You represent a collectivity that Nigeria believes can transform our country,” he said. “We should stop lamenting and stop bringing our country down. Whatever you call your country is what foreigners will call you.”

The envoy assured that Nigerian missions in the U.S. are open to supporting diaspora-led initiatives that promote national development.

The event also featured awards to distinguished Nigerians, including Mrs. Ngozi Adeleke, wife of the Osun State Governor.