Abia State Governor Alex Otti has praised President Bola Tinubu for implementing the Tinubu fuel subsidy removal policy and floating the naira, describing both measures as bold economic reforms that demanded political courage despite their short-term impact on Nigerians.
Otti made the remarks on Tuesday while receiving the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, during her visit to Abia State to celebrate and promote the historic Akwete weaving heritage in Ukwa East Local Government Area. Speaking during the event, the governor asked the First Lady to convey his appreciation to President Tinubu, whom he credited with taking difficult decisions aimed at repositioning the nation’s economy.
“I want you to please thank him. Thank him for his courage. Thank him for his sacrifices,” Otti said.
According to the governor, the decision to remove fuel subsidy in 2023, followed by the floating of the naira, reflected strong leadership and a willingness to undertake reforms many leaders would have avoided.
Otti argued that the Tinubu fuel subsidy removal policy has released significant financial resources previously spent on subsidy payments, allowing the Federal Government, states and local governments to channel more funds into development projects.
He said the increased revenue has enabled many state governments to meet salary obligations, invest in infrastructure and implement programmes that encourage productivity rather than consumption. According to him, redirecting public funds away from subsidy payments has created opportunities for governments to improve public services and stimulate economic growth.
While acknowledging that the reforms have imposed short-term economic pressure on citizens, Otti maintained that such consequences are common whenever governments introduce major structural changes. He explained that bold policy decisions often come with temporary challenges before long-term economic benefits begin to emerge. The governor expressed confidence that the Nigerian economy would gradually adjust to the reforms and become stronger over time.
Otti further argued that the economic difficulties currently experienced by many Nigerians should not be viewed solely as the result of recent reforms.
Instead, he said the hardship reflects the accumulated effects of years of unsustainable economic practices that required decisive intervention. According to the governor, the current administration’s policies are designed to correct longstanding structural problems and place the economy on a more sustainable path.
His remarks come as debates continue across the country over the impact of the Tinubu fuel subsidy removal policy and other economic reforms introduced by the Federal Government since 2023, with supporters pointing to increased government revenues while critics continue to express concerns over rising living costs and inflation.
