Tinubu Reveals Why He Quit Reading Newspapers And Commentaries

Speaking at the recently concluded Africa CEO Forum in Kigali, Rwanda, the President said the decision was necessary as his administration embarked on difficult but essential measures aimed at stabilizing Nigeria’s economy.

According to Tinubu, the reforms were unavoidable because the country could no longer sustain policies that placed a heavy burden on public finances and threatened the future of generations yet unborn.

He explained that the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of the foreign exchange market were critical steps to reverse what he described as an unsustainable economic trajectory.

The President noted that at the time he assumed office, many state governments were struggling to meet basic obligations, including the payment of workers’ salaries, despite Nigeria’s status as a major oil-producing nation.

Tinubu said maintaining fuel subsidies while the country lacked functional refineries had encouraged corruption, document falsification, and large-scale smuggling, making the system impossible to sustain.

He acknowledged that the reforms came with significant hardship but compared the process to childbirth, stressing that temporary pain is often necessary to achieve lasting rewards.

Reflecting on the backlash that followed the policy changes, Tinubu said he expected severe criticism and chose to focus on the long-term benefits rather than daily commentary.

“I stopped reading newspapers and commentary because I knew there would be major pushback, and there was. It felt like sitting on a hot burner,” the President stated.

Despite the challenges, Tinubu said the country has begun to witness positive outcomes, including greater stability in the naira, improved budget planning, expanded student support, and direct financial assistance to vulnerable households.

He maintained that the hallmark of transformational leadership is the courage to make difficult decisions at the right time for the benefit of the people.

Tinubu also indicated that his administration remains committed to implementing further reforms and pledged to continue the work in a second term if re-elected.

The President expressed confidence that Nigeria is now on a stronger path, noting that the toughest decisions have laid the foundation for long-term economic recovery and sustainable growth.