President Tinubu revealed how his wealthy uncle struggled to access cash during the 2023 naira scarcity. Speaking at an Iftar event, he admitted nearly quitting the presidential race but remained resolute. He also defended his fuel subsidy removal, emphasizing the need for tough decisions in leadership.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has recounted how the 2023 naira scarcity affected Nigerians across all economic classes, including his own family. Speaking at a special Iftar event in Abuja, he shared an experience where a close relative struggled to find cash, highlighting the severity of the financial crisis.
During his campaign, Tinubu revealed that a family member came to him late at night, requesting N50,000 to purchase essentials. The relative expressed frustration over the cash shortage, pointing out that even a wealthy uncle couldn’t access N10,000. The incident, Tinubu admitted, made him briefly question his decision to run for office.
Despite the challenges, he credited his political allies for encouraging him to stay in the race. He also defended his decision to remove the fuel subsidy immediately after assuming office, calling it a necessary step to stabilize the economy.
Acknowledging the backlash that followed, Tinubu stated that leadership requires making difficult but essential choices. He urged Nigerians to remain patient, emphasizing that his administration’s policies are designed for long-term national progress.
