Abia State Governor Alex Otti has praised President Bola Tinubu for removing the fuel subsidy and adopting a market-driven exchange rate for the naira, describing the policies as courageous reforms needed to reposition Nigeria’s economy despite their short-term effects.
Otti made the remarks while welcoming First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu during her visit to Abia State to promote the historic Akwete weaving tradition in Ukwa East Local Government Area.
Speaking during the event, the governor asked the First Lady to convey his appreciation to the President, commending him for taking difficult decisions that many leaders would have avoided.
According to Otti, the removal of the fuel subsidy and the floating of the naira have increased revenue available to the Federal Government, states and local governments, providing more resources for infrastructure development, salary payments and other public services.
He said the reforms have enabled many state governments to improve project execution and invest more in productive sectors that support economic growth rather than spending heavily on consumption.
While acknowledging that the policies have caused temporary economic hardship, Otti maintained that such challenges are expected whenever major economic reforms are introduced.
He argued that the current difficulties facing many Nigerians are largely the result of years of unsustainable economic practices, insisting that the ongoing reforms are intended to place the country’s economy on a stronger and more sustainable path over time.
