Tinubu Requests Nigerians To Go Through ’Baby Steps Of Pain’ To Attain ’Economic Prosperity’

President Bola Tinubu is hopeful that Nigerians will see a positive change soon as he brings about reforms in several sectors, even though the people have to "go through these baby steps of pain."

The president had held a closed-door meeting of one hour with the Alake of Egbaland, Adedotun Gbadebo, at his palace in Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Thursday, before promising Nigerians they will soon see "positive changes."

"I have redeemed my pledge that I will come back with victory and the crown," the president said, Leadership reported. "The hope is recharged; the hope is here. That hope will never fail. That hope will recharge your lives in a positive manner."

The president noted he was positive Nigerians would reap the fruits of their labor. He went on to recall that he had been a refugee, and still held a standard passport, with a green cover.

There are five types of passports in Nigeria--standard (green cover), diplomatic (red cover), official (blue cover), seaman (maroon cover) and pilgrim (no fixed color on the cover).

Tinubu noted that he was taking the time to make a good team.

"What I ask for is prayers that will help the country and I am determined to help our country, to steer the ship of the nation, build a good team positive for this country and deliver on all the promises that I have made," he said.

"Nigeria will see positive changes as we move along, just go through these baby's steps of pain, baby steps of pain. I'm taking baby steps as the President, not marching in a hurry, being ready to listen, maintain an open-door policy, let freedom flow, let confidence return to Nigeria."

President Tinubu urged everyone to pray and support in order to achieve "economic prosperity" in Nigeria.

This is not the first time Tinubu has appealed to Nigerians to bear with him. Previously, he had asked the citizens to keep tolerance and patience in the wake of Eid al-Adha celebrations.

Nigerians are currently struggling with hiked fuel prices, following the subsidy removal announcement. After the president announced the subsidy removal during his inauguration ceremony on May 29, fuel prices skyrocketed from N195 per litre to N600 per litre.

Uber also announced that it has increased fares to ensure that drivers can cover their fuel costs and deal with inflation. Furthermore, the federal government confirmed there will be a 7.5% VAT (Value Added Tax) on diesel.

It is worth noting that before the subsidy removal announcement, the country was already suffering from a cash crunch due to the currency redesign policy.