President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his commitment to transforming Nigeria’s economy and improving the living conditions of citizens, saying he remains determined to lead the country towards prosperity and sustainable development.
The President made this known on Monday, November 2, 2026, while reflecting on his recent spiritual visit to Saudi Arabia, where he performed the lesser Hajj, known as Umrah.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu expressed optimism about Nigeria’s economic direction, describing the country’s current economic foundation as encouraging.
According to the President, the economy has emerged from a difficult period, while the reforms introduced by his administration are beginning to establish a foundation for sustainable growth.
“The foundation is solid, and the economy has come out of the dark tunnel. This is inspiring,” Tinubu said.
He further declared that his commitment to Nigeria’s development had become stronger, promising to pursue prosperity and ensure that the country achieves its full potential.
“My commitment to Project Nigeria is higher. I am determined to usher in prosperity and fully develop the country, consistent with the wish of Allah and the support of the people,” he stated.
TINUBU SAYS INVESTING IN YOUNG NIGERIANS IS A PRIORITY
The President stressed that the future of Nigeria depends largely on the opportunities created for younger generations.
He said leaders must look beyond their immediate political responsibilities and consider how their decisions would affect the country in the coming decades.
Tinubu maintained that investing in young Nigerians was essential to building a prosperous nation, warning that the failure to prepare the next generation would raise questions about the legacy of present-day leaders.
“We need to build a future for our youth. If we don’t invest in their future, how do we want to be remembered as leaders 50 years from now? That’s the main thing. So this is a rare privilege to lead the country,” he said.
He added that political leadership should be approached as a responsibility to serve the people rather than an opportunity for personal recognition.
PRESIDENT PRAYS FOR WISDOM AND STRENGTH TO LEAD NIGERIA
Reflecting on his experience in Saudi Arabia, Tinubu expressed gratitude to King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for granting him and members of the Nigerian delegation access to the Holy Ka’abah in Makkah.
The President described the opportunity to pray inside the sacred structure as a historic and deeply meaningful experience.
He also acknowledged Sheikh Dahlulah Muthawal of Masjid al-Haram, who led the Nigerian delegation into the Ka’abah.
Tinubu said he used the opportunity to offer prayers of gratitude for the privilege of serving as Nigeria’s President and Commander-in-Chief.
He also prayed for wisdom, resilience and the strength to continue serving Nigerians amid the challenges facing the country.
“I asked for wisdom and resilience to continue to serve the people. I know that prayer has been granted,” he said.
The President recalled undertaking a similar spiritual journey before the 2023 general election, during which he prayed for a successful Umrah and promised to return to express his gratitude.
He said the latest visit provided another opportunity to fulfil that promise.
TINUBU THANKS SAUDI LEADERSHIP FOR SPECIAL RECOGNITION
The President expressed appreciation to the Saudi authorities for the hospitality and recognition extended to him and the Nigerian delegation.
He described the opportunity to enter the Ka’abah as an honour he would always cherish.
Tinubu also drew attention to the green and white colours of the fencing around the Ka’abah, saying they reminded him of Nigeria’s national identity.
He noted that Nigeria and Saudi Arabia shared longstanding relations and expressed gratitude for the warm reception given to the delegation.
PRESIDENT SAYS LEADERSHIP IS A DIVINE RESPONSIBILITY
Tinubu further reflected on the responsibilities associated with political power, emphasising that leadership must be exercised with humility, conscience and a commitment to the welfare of the people.
He referenced the teachings of the Holy Qur’an, particularly Surah Aal-Imran, verse 26, which describes Almighty Allah as the ultimate owner of sovereignty and authority.
The President said political positions were temporary privileges that should be used responsibly, adding that those entrusted with leadership must remain conscious of their obligation to serve.
He expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for the opportunity to lead Nigeria, describing his emergence as President as a special favour.
Tinubu said he remained confident that Nigeria could overcome its challenges through faith, responsible leadership and sustained commitment to national development.
GOVERNORS AND BUSINESS LEADERS ACCOMPANY PRESIDENT
Members of the Nigerian delegation included the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi; Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate; and governors from Borno, Sokoto, Jigawa, Kaduna, Yobe and Kwara states.
Prominent business leaders, including BUA Group Chairman Abdul Samad Rabiu and Oando Chief Executive Officer Wale Tinubu, were also part of the delegation.
The President’s latest comments come as his administration continues to defend its economic reform programme, with Tinubu maintaining that the country is moving towards a more stable economic future.
He reiterated that his ultimate ambition was to build a prosperous Nigeria, expand opportunities for young people and ensure that the sacrifices made during the reform process translated into meaningful improvements in citizens’ lives.
