Tinubu’s Media Chat: Five Key Takeaways From His Chat

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu held his first media interaction with select journalists on Monday, where he addressed key national concerns, including security, governance, economic reforms, and social welfare. Here are key points from the conversation. Below are five takeaways from the media chat:

1. Tax Reform Bills for a Modern Economy:
   The President reiterated his commitment to implementing wide-ranging tax reforms to align Nigeria’s economy with global standards.
   
   “Tax reform is here to stay,” he declared. “We cannot continue to do what we were doing yesterday in today’s economy.”
   Tinubu underscored the importance of an efficient tax system that promotes economic growth and reduces reliance on oil revenues.
   
2. Progress in Tackling Insecurity:
   On the nation’s security challenges, President Tinubu expressed confidence in the current security framework, highlighting improvements in areas once considered unsafe.
   
   “Today, I have confidence in my security architecture,” he said. “It is very, very unfortunate that, for two decades, we witnessed wanton killings. I remember when I had to pause my campaign to pay condolence visits to Maiduguri, Katsina, Kaduna, and Kogi. Today, you can travel these roads, which were once impossible. It took one incident to disrupt an organized environment.”
   
3. Removal of Fuel Subsidy and Forex Harmonization:
   Defending his administration’s decision to eliminate the fuel subsidy and harmonize foreign exchange rates, Tinubu described these actions as critical to Nigeria’s economic recovery.
   
   “We were spending our future. We were spending our generation’s fortune. We were not investing; we were just deceiving ourselves,” he remarked.
   He emphasized that these measures, though initially disruptive, are vital for the country’s long-term sustainable development.
   
4. Stampede Incidents:
   President Tinubu extended his condolences to the families affected by the recent stampede incidents related to charity events and stressed the importance of responsible giving.
   
   “Condolences to those who lost a family member, but it is good to give,” he stated. “I have been giving out foodstuff and commodities in Bourdillon. If you know you don’t have enough to give, don’t attempt or publicize it.”
   
5. Expected Impacts of His Reforms:
   While acknowledging the short-term challenges arising from his administration’s policies, Tinubu urged Nigerians to remain patient and optimistic.
   
   “The reforms come with temporary hardships, but conviction about their long-term positive impacts is key in this journey,” he noted. “It is not going to be Eldorado for everybody. But the new dawn is here. I am convinced, and you should be convinced, and you should help propagate that conviction.”