A former federal lawmaker, Sam Onuigbo, has defended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic reforms, describing the policies as bold and courageous measures that are already yielding positive results despite the initial difficulties faced by Nigerians.
Onuigbo, the newly elected President of GLOBE Legislators International and a former two-term member of the House of Representatives, made the remarks during an interactive session with journalists in Abuja.
The former lawmaker maintained that President Tinubu inherited a fragile economy and huge financial obligations, stressing that the administration had taken difficult decisions to reposition the country’s economy.
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“President Tinubu did a very bold and courageous thing by removing the subsidy,” Onuigbo stated, describing the removal of fuel subsidy as one of the administration’s major economic decisions.
Assessing the impact of the reforms, he observed that the country’s macroeconomic position had improved and that the President deserved recognition for sustaining the reform process despite the challenges.
“The macroeconomic position of Nigeria is so well improved, and President Tinubu deserves commendation for how he has been able to hold this together,” he noted.
Onuigbo highlighted increased government revenue, infrastructure development, investments in education and the establishment of regional development commissions as evidence of progress under the administration.
He cited the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, noting that more than N303 billion had been invested in supporting students, while Gross Domestic Product growth had improved from 2.74 per cent in 2023 to 4.43 per cent, according to figures he presented.
Turning to the oil and gas sector, the former lawmaker pointed to increased refining output and efforts to improve domestic energy supply as further indications of the impact of the administration’s policies.
On security, Onuigbo expressed confidence in the government’s approach, declaring that “The government is winning the war.”
He also highlighted the establishment of the South-East Development Commission, describing it as part of the administration’s efforts to address regional development needs.
On infrastructure, Onuigbo pointed to road projects, including the Enugu-Port Harcourt corridor, as well as developments involving the airport and Federal Secretariat in Abia State.
The former lawmaker further drew attention to investments in critical minerals, citing two lithium processing plants in Nasarawa State valued at about 500 million dollars and 250 million dollars respectively.
He also noted the administration’s climate policy initiatives, including implementation of the Climate Change Act and development of the carbon market.
Onuigbo stressed that the reforms and other policies had the potential to deliver broader benefits if sustained, urging continued support for their consolidation.
“It’s a fantastic policy that should be encouraged,” he maintained, while referring to the administration’s reform programme.
He commended President Tinubu for assenting to measures he considered beneficial to the country, stressing that the reforms should be assessed based on their long-term impact rather than only their immediate difficulties.
“President Tinubu deserves our commendation and appreciation for assenting to that,” Onuigbo stated.
Expressing optimism about the wider impact of the administration’s policies, the former lawmaker said their continued consolidation could benefit the South-East and other parts of the country.
“The consolidation of the reforms, positive reforms, good and courageous policies of Mr President, have the potential to impact positively and meaningfully, not just on the Igbo’s, but on the entire nation,” he concluded.
