The president made the remarks on Friday, November 6, 2026, during a state reception held in his honour at the newly constructed Banquet Hall of ARISE Palm Resort in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. The event followed an All Progressives Congress (APC) rally at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.
Tinubu recalled that 27 of Nigeria’s 36 state governors were struggling to pay workers’ salaries when he assumed office, with pension and gratuity obligations also largely unmet. He argued that the economic reforms introduced by his administration had helped steer the country away from the threat of bankruptcy.
According to the president, retaining the fuel subsidy would have further weakened the naira and eroded its value.
“By now, if we didn’t take a decision, the day I took over, we would use wheelbarrows to move our naira. Because it would have been valueless, nothing,” he said.
Tinubu put the exchange rate at approximately ₦1,300 to the dollar, arguing that the naira had maintained some purchasing power because of the decisions taken by his government. Using the biblical story of Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt as an analogy, he urged Nigerians to remain committed to the country’s reform journey.
“Nigeria will never go back to the subsidy,” he declared.
The president also took aim at opposition figures Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar, questioning their leadership records and suitability to govern the country.
He criticised Obi, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, over erosion challenges in Anambra State. He also faulted Atiku, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, for leaving the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) after facing a leadership challenge.
Tinubu argued that their actions raised concerns about their ability to manage the country’s affairs.
On education, the president acknowledged the financial difficulties confronting Nigerian families, saying his administration’s policies were designed to reduce the burden of tuition fees on parents and expand access to education.
He described education as a vital tool for tackling poverty and creating opportunities for younger generations.
“Equal opportunity for everybody who wants to read. Taking education as the greatest weapon against poverty. And creating opportunities for those who are still coming behind,” he said.
Tinubu further disclosed that funds recovered by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) would be channelled into the government’s education programme as part of efforts to expand access to learning.
“From today on, as we are fighting corruption, any money recovered from EFCC is dumped into that education program. No one can reverse it,” he stated.
The president called on residents of Akwa Ibom State to support his administration, while reiterating his commitment to facilitating the completion of the proposed Ibom Deep Seaport project.
