The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris Malagi, has come forward to advocate for patience regarding President Bola Tinubu’s ongoing economic reforms.
Malagi emphasised that the transformative reforms implemented by Tinubu require time to yield significant results and bring about the desired economic change.
During an appearance on Channels TV Sunrise Daily on Thursday, Malagi urged Nigerians to give the President more time to properly implement the long-term plans aimed at developing the nation. He emphasised that assessing the effectiveness of these reforms within the short span of seven months is premature.
“I want you to remember that the President is seven months old in office. I am not going to make excuses that seven months is just a short time. But for a long-term plan, you need a lot more time to put structures in place,” Malagi stated.
Malagi acknowledged that as the government navigates through the implementation of the reforms, there may be shocks, turbulence, and occasional dislocations. However, he highlighted Tinubu’s clear vision to lead Nigeria towards prosperity and affirmed the President’s dedication to achieving this vision.
“He works day and night to achieve that. Every day, all the ministers and everyone else are working in that direction, but the results are not seen yet. We ask Nigerians to be a little more patient,” Malagi urged.
President Tinubu had, in his inaugural address on May 29, 2023, announced the closure of the subsidy era, particularly focusing on ending the fuel subsidy. Justifying this decision, Tinubu emphasised that the substantial annual funds previously allocated to the subsidy would now be redirected to improve healthcare, transportation, education, housing, and national security.