Bola Tinubu Confesses He Nearly Quit Amid Nigeria’s Harsh Economy

Bola Tinubu Confesses He Nearly Quit Amid Nigeria’s Harsh Economy

Bola Tinubu has confessed that Nigeria’s tough economic situation during the early days of his presidency almost pushed him to withdraw from public engagement entirely.
Speaking during a recent visit to Katsina State, President Tinubu said the hardship and criticism he faced when he assumed office were so intense that he nearly stopped watching or reading the news.
“When we started, it was challenging, and I almost ran away from watching or reading the newspapers,” he admitted.
The President described those early moments as overwhelming. He said public expectations were high, and the economy was in crisis. But even though the pressure felt crushing, he chose to stand firm on his decisions.
“I got discouraged but stayed put on my decisions, believing that the ability of a leader to take decisions at the right time is the hallmark of leadership,” he explained.
Tinubu believes those tough choices are now paying off. He said his administration’s economic reforms — which caused discomfort at first — have started to show positive results.
“Nigeria is a success, the economy is turning around, it has bent the corner,” he said.
The government’s reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies and the floating of the naira, were met with fierce criticism. For many Nigerians, the cost of living shot up almost overnight. Transportation costs doubled. Food prices soared. People began to question whether things would ever improve.
Yet Tinubu stood by his policies. He said tough medicine was necessary for long-term recovery. His administration insisted that these decisions would put Nigeria back on track and attract more investment.
As Nigerians continue to battle inflation and daily hardship, Tinubu’s message is that change is happening — slowly but surely.
Still, not everyone shares the President’s optimism.
Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank, recently gave a grim analysis of Nigeria’s economic health. At a high-profile dinner in Lagos, he highlighted how far Nigeria has fallen behind nations like South Korea, which once had similar economic standing.
He said Nigeria’s GDP per capita has dropped alarmingly. “More Nigerians are poorer today than they were at Independence in 1960,” Adesina stated.
He blamed the country’s economic problems on weak planning and poor implementation. Over the years, several governments have drafted bold economic plans, but many failed to act on them.
Adesina argued that Nigeria’s potential is massive, but poor leadership has held the nation back. He called for urgent reforms, saying Nigeria must reclaim its place as Africa’s leading economy.
He urged leaders to stop recycling plans without action. Instead, they must show real commitment to improving lives.
The statements from both men reflect different sides of the same truth. Tinubu is in office making difficult decisions. Adesina is watching closely, demanding accountability.
Together, they paint a picture of a country at a crucial point.
On one hand, Tinubu is urging Nigerians to be patient and have faith. He said the changes may be painful now, but they are essential for long-term success.
On the other hand, Adesina is issuing a clear warning: without proper execution, even the best reforms will fail.
For the Nigerian people, the big question is simple: When will things get better?
As food prices rise and incomes shrink, citizens are desperate for relief. Tinubu has made promises. Now, he must deliver.
He shared how close he came to tuning out the noise, to isolating himself from the media storm. But he chose to push through it, believing that leadership is about staying in the storm — not running from it.
That moment of vulnerability has revealed something new about Bola Tinubu. He may be President, but like every Nigerian, he feels the heat. And while he says the economy is bending in the right direction, only the people can confirm if they feel the shift.
Time will tell if this turn Tinubu spoke of is real — and if it leads to the better Nigeria millions are hoping for.
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