Nigeria’s Shippers Council chief has praised President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, particularly the removal of the petrol subsidy on his first day in office, calling it a rare example of a campaign promise kept.
Pius Akutah, the council’s Executive Secretary, said the move — announced on 29 May 2023 — had been pledged by all major presidential candidates but only Mr Tinubu had acted on it. He described the decision as “bold” and “courageous”, noting that it freed up significant revenue for both state and local governments.
According to Akutah, this additional funding has enabled the rollout of large-scale infrastructure projects nationwide, including in states controlled by opposition parties. He said the President’s willingness to acknowledge such developments underscored a commitment to national, rather than partisan, progress.
While acknowledging the policy’s short-term hardship, Akutah said it has helped strengthen foreign reserves, improved GDP growth and laid a foundation for more sustainable public spending. “The moment you are doing the right thing, he will stand with you,” he added.
