First two years of my second term will be dedicated to “more work” – Tinubu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said that the first two years of a possible second term would be dedicated to intensified governance efforts, insisting that his administration will continue to pursue bold reforms aimed at repositioning Nigeria’s economy.

Speaking during an interview at the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali, Rwanda, Tinubu said leadership demands continuous adjustment, discipline, and the willingness to take difficult decisions in the national interest.

“Do more work. More challenges are there. The world won’t wait for anybody. You have to continue to reset and rethink,” the President said.

He maintained that his administration’s guiding principle has been decisive action, even when such decisions are unpopular.

“The hallmark of a transformative leader is the ability to take decisions at the right time on behalf of the people,” he added.

The President defended key policy reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of the foreign exchange market, describing them as painful but necessary steps to prevent long-term economic collapse.

According to him, the subsidy regime had become unsustainable and encouraged inefficiency and abuse.

“It is a fake life to think you can continue the subsidy that is wasteful. It encourages falsification and smuggling,” he said.

Tinubu noted that before the reforms, many states struggled to meet basic obligations such as salary payments.

He likened the economic transition to childbirth, stressing that temporary hardship would eventually yield long-term national benefits.

“It is difficult and painful, but like childbirth, there is joy after the pain,” he said.

On taxation, the President argued that national development cannot be achieved without citizens contributing their fair share.

“Nobody wants to pay taxes, but everyone wants development. How do you fund it?” he asked.

He added that tax compliance defines responsible citizenship, stating that “a citizen that pays taxes is a citizen, whether corporate or individual.”

Tinubu also highlighted what he described as early gains from his reforms, saying the economy had become more stable and predictable for planning and investment.

He said the government was also expanding social intervention programmes, including cash transfers to vulnerable households and educational support for indigent students.

On industrial policy, the President said his administration would continue to support local manufacturers and major investors to boost job creation and domestic production.

He cited the Dangote Refinery and BUA Group as examples of enterprises benefiting from government facilitation, including crude oil supply arrangements in naira.

The President also defended major infrastructure projects such as the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, describing them as part of a broader plan to strengthen national integration and economic growth.

Tinubu stressed that national unity remains central to his agenda, urging Nigerians to see diversity as a strength rather than a division.

“All of us together must be patriotic. This country is ours. We must build it together,” he said.

On security and foreign relations, the President acknowledged ongoing challenges but insisted that Nigeria remains a key player in regional and continental affairs.

“Nigeria is still a big brother in ECOWAS and remains central to Africa’s stability,” he said.

Tinubu concluded by reaffirming confidence in Nigeria’s future, saying his administration remains focused and determined to sustain reforms and strengthen national development.

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