Abia State Governor Alex Otti has defended President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, describing the removal of the petrol subsidy and the floating of the naira as courageous decisions that were necessary to strengthen Nigeria’s economy despite the short-term hardship they have caused.
The governor spoke on Tuesday while receiving First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu during her visit to Abia State to promote the historic Akwete weaving heritage in Ukwa East Local Government Area.
Addressing the First Lady, Otti asked her to convey his appreciation to President Tinubu, whom he praised for implementing difficult but important reforms.
According to the governor, ending the fuel subsidy and liberalising the exchange rate freed up resources previously used to support consumption, allowing the federal, state and local governments to channel more funds into infrastructure, salary payments and economic development.
He noted that many states now have greater financial capacity to meet obligations, invest in critical projects and support productive sectors of the economy.
Otti acknowledged that the reforms have imposed economic challenges on Nigerians but insisted that such outcomes are common whenever major policy changes are introduced. He expressed confidence that the economy would gradually stabilise as the reforms take effect.
The governor also argued that the current hardship should not be attributed solely to the recent policies, maintaining that many of the country’s economic difficulties stem from years of unsustainable fiscal practices before the reforms were introduced.
