Tinubu has shown courage to tackle Nigeria’s challenges — Wike

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has described President Bola Tinubu as the only leader currently demonstrating the courage to confront Nigeria’s long-standing economic problems.

Speaking during his monthly media briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, Wike defended the administration’s economic reforms, particularly the removal of petrol subsidy, saying the decision, though difficult, had strengthened the finances of state governments and boosted infrastructure development.

According to the minister, the reforms have increased allocations to states, enabling many governors to pay salaries and pensions without relying on bank loans.

“Asiwaju is the only person we have now. He may not have solved every problem, but he has shown the courage to take decisions others avoided. He deserves credit for that,” Wike said.

He argued that Nigerians should not expect decades of economic challenges to disappear within a short period, stressing that meaningful recovery takes time.

“You cannot expect problems that accumulated over 15 years to be resolved in one year. Recovery is gradual, but it will happen,” he added.

Wike described the former fuel subsidy regime as unsustainable, recalling that while serving as governor, dwindling federal allocations forced many states to borrow to meet salary obligations.

He said the removal of the subsidy had freed up more resources for state governments, improving their capacity to fund infrastructure and meet financial commitments.

“The subsidy consumed over ₦3 trillion. Today, states receive more money, pensioners are being paid, and governors no longer have to queue before banks just to pay salaries,” he said.

The minister maintained that effective leadership requires taking difficult decisions in the interest of the country, even when such measures are initially unpopular.

“Everyone agreed the subsidy was a scam, but no previous president had the political will to remove it. President Tinubu took that responsibility. No decision is perfect, but leadership is about making tough choices,” Wike said.