I’m Happy States No Longer Struggle to Pay Salaries — Tinubu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu says Nigeria’s economy has recovered from the brink of collapse, stressing that states are no longer heavily dependent on federal interventions to pay workers’ salaries.

Tinubu made the remarks on Friday while receiving members of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, led by Vice President Kashim Shettima, during a Sallah homage at his Lagos residence.

Reflecting on his path to the presidency, Tinubu described the journey as challenging, marked by political opposition, litigation and intense pressure.

“At the time, I faced the challenge of trying to become the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It was very, very challenging,” he said.

The President commended governors and party members who supported him despite uncertainty about the policies his administration would pursue.

“I didn’t disclose to anybody what I would do. Many of you took the risk and went along because of the party platform and everything. We survived,” he stated.

Tinubu argued that his administration’s economic reforms had helped Nigeria avoid bankruptcy and laid the foundation for recovery and growth.

“Instead of bankruptcy, Nigeria has survived. The economy has recovered. It is growing. Agriculture is humming. Food is here,” he said.

He praised governors for encouraging citizens to remain patient during what he described as three years of painful but necessary reforms.

According to the President, improvements are becoming visible through stronger macroeconomic indicators, infrastructure development and growth in the housing sector.

Tinubu also highlighted improved state finances, noting that many governors no longer require emergency federal assistance to meet salary obligations.

“I am glad that out of the 27 governors borrowing from the federal government and asking for interventions, we are no longer struggling to pay salaries. No more,” he said.

The President further pointed to projects such as the Sokoto-Badagry corridor, saying they offer significant opportunities for irrigation, power generation and agricultural expansion.

He urged governors to maximise agricultural resources in their states, expressing confidence that Nigeria could achieve food sufficiency and food sovereignty.