- During his visit to Beijing, President Tinubu emphasised the need for tough decisions, including recent fuel price hikes, to drive Nigeria’s development.
- In a meeting with Nigerians in China, Tinubu highlighted the importance of discipline and commitment, drawing lessons from China’s infrastructure and societal discipline.
President Bola Tinubu has underscored the necessity of tough decisions for Nigeria to achieve meaningful development, addressing recent fuel price hikes as a case in point. Speaking in Beijing, where he concluded his official visit to China, Tinubu highlighted the need for such decisions to avoid long-term delays in progress.
Tinubu made the remarks during a meeting with Nigerians residing in China at the China World Hotel. He described his visit as “very good and successful,” and it included discussions with Chinese leaders, including President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, and participation in the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit.
In a statement by his spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, Tinubu emphasised his commitment to bolstering cooperation in critical areas such as infrastructure, trade, finance, energy, green economy, and mining. He urged Nigerians in China to be exemplary citizens and ambassadors for Nigeria, reflecting on China’s disciplined society as a national commitment and service model.
“We must embrace discipline and commitment,” Tinubu said, noting that Nigeria cannot build a respected and prosperous nation without these qualities. He urged Nigerians to align with the laws of their host communities and maintain a positive image of their homeland.
Addressing the impact of China’s investments, Tinubu assured Nigerians in the diaspora that Nigeria’s Bank of Industry (BoI) is ready to collaborate on leveraging opportunities back home. He defended recent economic reforms in Nigeria, including fuel price adjustments, as necessary to improve infrastructure and services.
“Development comes with sacrifices,” Tinubu asserted. “If we desire quality roads, reliable electricity, and good education, we must be prepared to make difficult choices. These decisions are essential for paving the way for a more prosperous future.
Tinubu also emphasised his administration’s dedication to replicating China’s infrastructure advancements in Nigeria. He stressed the importance of innovative education and supporting businesses to foster economic growth.
Nigerians in the diaspora applauded Tinubu’s commitment, with Dr. Oche Barnabas, President of NIDO China, praising his efforts to strengthen Nigeria-China relations. Barnabas also highlighted NIDO China’s support for Nigeria’s 4D initiative and requested Tinubu’s advocacy for Nigeria to be recognised as a native English-speaking nation in China. Such recognition, he argued, would enhance job and educational opportunities for Nigerians and boost remittances.
Tinubu’s visit underscored the challenges and opportunities facing Nigeria as it navigates through reform and development. He concluded by reaffirming his resolve to lead the nation through these pivotal changes with a dedicated team and a focus on progress.