We’re Laying Foundations For Nigeria’s Long-term Growth, Says President Tinubu
President Bola Tinubu has declared that his administration is laying the foundation for Nigeria's long-term economic growth through sweeping reforms, insisting that the country is beginning to witness positive results despite persistent challenges.
The president made the remarks on Thursday while addressing journalists at the maiden State House Media Dinner held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Tinubu said his government's economic reforms were beginning to stabilize the economy, improve public finances and restore investor confidence, stressing that the administration remained focused on building a more competitive and prosperous Nigeria.
According to him, "Nigeria today is undergoing one of the most ambitious periods of reform in its history. The difficult but necessary reforms undertaken by this administration are yielding results."
He added that public revenues had strengthened significantly, enabling state governments to receive higher allocations for development, while foreign reserves had improved alongside renewed investments in the oil and gas sector.
“The stock market has witnessed remarkable growth. Key economic indicators are moving in the right direction. Through tax reforms, fiscal reforms, infrastructure investments, and improvements in the business environment, we are laying the foundations for a more competitive, productive, and prosperous economy," Tinubu said.
Acknowledging that challenges remain, the President maintained that the government's direction was clear.
“The journey is not yet complete. Challenges remain. But the direction is clear, and the foundations for long-term growth are being firmly established," he said.
On security, Tinubu said his administration had intensified military operations and strengthened intelligence gathering and inter-agency collaboration to tackle terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, oil theft and other criminal activities.
According to him, enhanced regional and international cooperation has contributed to the neutralisation of thousands of terrorists and criminal elements, the rescue of numerous hostages and the recovery of communities previously under siege.
“While Nigeria continues to face security challenges, we have moved steadily from reacting to threats toward systematically degrading them. We remain resolute in our commitment to securing every part of our country and ensuring that every Nigerian can live, work, and prosper in peace," he stated.
The Nigerian leader also reaffirmed his administration's commitment to press freedom, describing a free media as one of the pillars of democracy while urging journalists to uphold professionalism and accuracy in their reports.
"I am an apostle of a free press. I have defended and advocated for the rights of the media throughout my public life and will continue to do so," Tinubu said.
He, however, cautioned media practitioners against spreading misinformation, disinformation and fake news, particularly in the era of artificial intelligence, voice cloning and deepfakes.
"The media must choose fact over falsehood. The media must choose substance over sensation. The media must choose credibility over clickbait and the endless race for followers, likes and viral outrage," he said.
Tinubu stressed that while freedom of expression and press freedom remained constitutionally guaranteed, they must be exercised responsibly.
"Freedom of expression is not freedom to defame. Freedom of the press is not freedom to deliberately mislead. Rights come with responsibilities. Public trust is earned through fairness, professionalism, accuracy and integrity," he stated.
The president also assured journalists covering the State House that his administration would continue to provide them with the access, resources and freedom required to perform their constitutional duties.
Reflecting on the relationship between government and the media, Tinubu described both institutions as democratic partners despite their often adversarial roles.
"Government exists to serve the people through leadership, policy and public service. The media exists to serve society by watching those entrusted with power, asking difficult questions and holding government accountable," he said.
He called for stronger collaboration built on mutual respect, professionalism and responsibility, urging journalists to prioritise truth over sensationalism.
"Let us replace needless hostility with constructive engagement. Let us replace sensationalism with professionalism. Let us replace the pursuit of outrage with the pursuit of truth. Together, let us continue building a nation where truth matters, accountability thrives, democracy flourishes, and every Nigerian has reason to believe in the promise of our country," the president added.