By Muhammed Akindele
President Bola Tinubu has thrown a bold challenge to global powers, declaring that Nigeria’s economy is now strong, stable, and no longer vulnerable to external shocks, even if US President Donald Trump “does his worst.”
Speaking on Tuesday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja while hosting former members of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), Tinubu announced that Nigeria had already met its annual revenue target by August, without borrowing.
“Today, I can brag before you — Nigeria is not borrowing. We met our revenue target in August. Let Trump do his worst, we are stable,” Tinubu said to loud applause.
The President attributed the achievement to improved non-oil revenue and fiscal reforms, stressing that the country no longer fears international pressures.
“If non-oil revenue is doing well, then we have no fear of whatever Trump is doing on the other side,” he added.
Tinubu highlighted how his reforms reduced the dollar exchange rate from N1,900 to N1,450, eliminating elite manipulation of foreign exchange.
“Nobody is trading pieces of paper for forex anymore. You don’t need to know a CBN governor to get dollars. Just export, import, and create jobs,” he said.
The President revealed a nationwide agricultural mechanisation programme to boost food security and defeat poverty. “If we remove hunger, we have defeated poverty,” he noted.
Addressing the CPC bloc directly, Tinubu reassured them of loyalty, acknowledged delays in political appointments, and hinted at more ambassadorial slots.
He also praised the legacy of late President Muhammadu Buhari, promising to build a ‘Buhari House’ as a symbol of unity and prosperity.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, and Senator Tanko Al-Makura both pledged unwavering CPC support, commending Tinubu’s handling of Buhari’s burial and reaffirming their loyalty.
Tinubu concluded with confidence: “When I see people like you, my determination is to work harder. We are certain we are going to succeed.”
