Abbas Hails Tinubu’s Economic Overhaul, Says Investor Confidence Returning Strongly

According to Ireporter Online, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has reaffirmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reforms are gradually steering Nigeria toward sustainable development. Abbas said the policies introduced since the President assumed office, though demanding, were essential for stabilising the nation and setting it on the right course.

Speaking in Lagos during the presentation of utility vehicles to several traditional rulers in southern Nigeria—an initiative he facilitated through the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN)—the Speaker urged Nigerians to remain patient and committed, noting that the ongoing reforms were already yielding measurable gains. He highlighted improvements such as the gradual stabilisation of the exchange rate, better fiscal discipline, increased agricultural output, strengthened state revenues, and renewed investor confidence as signs of progress.

Abbas emphasised that the intervention for traditional rulers was a continuation of previous gestures, including the distribution of vehicles to royal fathers in various states across the country. Beneficiaries of the latest presentation include the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, the Onikate of Ikate, the Paramount Ruler of Okobo Land in Akwa Ibom, Igwe Fidelis Ogbu of Enugu, Igwe Robert C. of Anambra, and Oba Arole-Agbala of Ondo, among others.

He stressed that the vehicles were not merely gifts, but tools that would enhance the capacity of traditional rulers to respond to community needs. Abbas noted that traditional institutions remained vital to peacebuilding, conflict mediation, intelligence gathering, cultural preservation, and grassroots development. Strengthening their mobility, he said, was a strategic investment in stability, order, and effective governance.

The Speaker reaffirmed that traditional rulers were indispensable partners in national development, adding that supporting them did not conflict with investments in infrastructure, education, or healthcare. Rather, he said such support complemented broader development goals by ensuring cohesive and well-organised communities.

Abbas explained that the initiative aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which places strong institutions and community-rooted leadership at the centre of national progress. He disclosed that the National Assembly was pursuing constitutional amendments to clearly define and protect the role of traditional rulers.

He noted that President Tinubu had consistently engaged royal fathers on issues of security and development, recognising their stabilising influence in moments of national tension. Abbas insisted that Nigeria must safeguard the gains recorded so far, calling for unity of purpose and continuity of leadership beyond 2027 to avoid reversing the progress already made.

The Speaker urged traditional rulers to use their influence and moral authority to support ongoing reforms, stressing that the House of Representatives would continue to champion constitutional protections that elevate the traditional institution.