Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, on Wednesday commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic reforms, describing them as decisive measures that rescued Nigeria from economic collapse and repositioned the country for sustainable growth.
Abiodun made the remarks at the Expanded Stakeholders Strategic Meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abeokuta, where party leaders across the state unanimously endorsed President Tinubu for a second term in office.
‘Hard but Necessary Decisions’
The governor said the president demonstrated courage by removing longstanding fuel and foreign exchange subsidies, which he described as major distortions in the nation’s economy.
“At a time when the economy had severely nosedived, our president rose with courage, conviction and clarity to take hard but necessary decisions aimed at repositioning Nigeria for sustainable development,” Abiodun said.
He referenced recent comments by the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, who reportedly described the reforms as a key enabler of economic recovery. According to Abiodun, the elimination of the multiple exchange rate system, alongside fuel subsidy removal on May 29, 2023, marked the beginning of what he termed “genuine reforms.”
Signs of Recovery
Highlighting the impact of the policies, Abiodun cited improved fuel supply, easing inflationary pressures, a stabilising naira and increased investor confidence. He added that Nigeria’s foreign reserves have risen to about $45 billion.
The governor also pointed to major infrastructure projects, including the 700-kilometre coastal highway and the 1,000-kilometre Sokoto–Badagry superhighway, as evidence of renewed economic momentum.
“Foreign flights are now full of investors coming into the country. In Ogun State today, you cannot move 100 metres without seeing a new factory,” he said.
Party Unity, State Achievements
On party affairs, Abiodun described the large turnout at the meeting as a sign of the APC’s cohesion and strength in Ogun State.
“The strength of the APC has always been anchored on unity and fairness. A united APC is an unbeatable APC,” he said.
He also announced plans to construct a new APC state secretariat within six months.
Reflecting on his administration’s record, the governor listed achievements in infrastructure, housing, healthcare and job creation, noting that over 7,000 housing units and several primary healthcare centres have been delivered statewide. He added that commercial oil drilling had commenced in Ogun Waterside and that the state’s GDP now stands at ₦17 trillion.
Abiodun further pledged a smooth transition at the end of his tenure and expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for what he described as consistent federal support to the state.
“There is nothing I have asked of Mr President for Ogun State that he has not approved,” he said, revealing plans to establish a large-scale dairy and cattle ranch in Ipokia Local Government Area and Yewa South.
The endorsement meeting was attended by serving and former lawmakers, members of the Ogun State Executive Council, party officials, council chairmen and other APC stakeholders from across the state.