The Nigerian President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has promised to prioritise social safety nets for citizens to cushion the unintended effects of ongoing economic reforms, as the nation records positive improvements in the economy.
President Tinubu stated this on Wednesday night in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, when the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Kristalina Georgieva, paid him a courtesy call on the sidelines of the G20 Leaders’ Summit.
While acknowledging that the reforms had weakened Nigerians’ purchasing power, President Tinubu in a statement issued by his Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, said his administration will continue to prioritise the welfare of the poor and most vulnerable, as the economic reforms bear fruit.
Congratulating the IMF Chief on her election for a second term in office, President Tinubu appreciated her support in implementing the reforms, calling for more institutional backing for stability and sustainable growth.
“We have started seeing positive results from our reforms, and the Nigerian people now understand the need for them, but we have to reduce the hardship that has resulted from the implementation.”
He emphasised the critical need for educational access.
He stressed that substantial resources must be invested to stimulate the much-needed infrastructural development in the country.