Minister of Works, David Umahi, has appealed to Nigerians at home and abroad to stop de-marketing the country, urging them instead to promote unity, optimism, and patriotism.
Umahi made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja, lamenting what he described as a growing culture of negativity and public condemnation of Nigeria.
“I feel so sad when people de-market the country both outside and inside Nigeria, cursing without knowledge,” he said. “A job is very easy when you are not the one doing it. Let there be a rethink.”
The minister urged citizens to adopt a positive attitude, be hopeful, and support the government’s efforts to rebuild the nation.
He criticised Nigerians who obey rules abroad but disregard them at home, describing such behaviour as counterproductive.
“When our people go outside the country, they suffer humiliation and obey all rules. But when they return, they break all the rules. That is not good. Let us have hope here,” he said.
Umahi said Nigeria remained a land of opportunities, but only for those willing to work hard and see beyond pessimism.
“There are many opportunities here. People must be optimistic and forward-looking because bitterness and ingratitude will not help,” he said.
He commended President Bola Tinubu for his resilience and courage in steering the country through what he described as a difficult economic situation inherited from the previous administration.
According to him, the president’s refusal to publicly complain about the situation is a mark of leadership strength.
Umahi said the Tinubu administration inherited huge debts that were not used for infrastructure, adding that the president’s economic reforms are beginning to yield positive results.
“All the indices are breathing well. Inflation has dropped, GDP growth is above 4.23 per cent, and foreign reserves have climbed over 42 per cent,” he said.
He expressed confidence that ongoing infrastructure development would stimulate the economy and ease hardship.
“The darkest part of the morning is the dawn. The macro economy is improving and the worst is over,” Umahi said.
He urged Nigerians to ignore “noise makers” and embrace hard work, noting that progress requires collective effort.
“For me, the president has taken back the nation for us. Hard work pays. Even the Bible says that he who does not work should not eat,” the minister added.
