Abeokuta, Ogun State — Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, on Wednesday commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic reforms, describing them as bold and decisive measures that averted economic collapse and repositioned Nigeria for sustainable growth.
The governor made the remarks at the Expanded Stakeholders Strategic Meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abeokuta, where party leaders across Ogun State unanimously endorsed President Tinubu for a second term in office.
Abiodun said the president demonstrated uncommon courage by tackling entrenched economic distortions, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of the foreign exchange system.
“At a time when the economy had severely declined, the president took hard but necessary decisions to reposition Nigeria for sustainable development,” he said.
The governor referenced recent comments by the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, who reportedly described the reforms as critical to Nigeria’s economic recovery. According to Abiodun, while fuel subsidy had long been viewed as a major burden, the multiple exchange rate system constituted an even greater challenge to economic stability.
“On May 29, 2023, Mr President removed both distortions, marking the beginning of genuine economic reforms,” he stated.
Abiodun cited what he described as early gains of the reforms, including improved fuel supply, easing inflationary pressures, a stabilising naira, renewed investor confidence, and foreign reserves reportedly standing at approximately $45 billion.
He also highlighted major federal infrastructure projects, including the 700-kilometre coastal highway and the 1,000-kilometre Sokoto–Badagry superhighway, noting that Nigeria is increasingly attracting domestic and foreign investment.
“Investor confidence is returning. In Ogun State, industrial expansion is visible, with new factories emerging across key corridors,” he said.
On party affairs, the governor described the strong attendance at the stakeholders’ meeting as evidence of APC’s unity and cohesion in the state.
“The strength of our party lies in unity and fairness. A united APC remains formidable,” he said, urging members to maintain solidarity ahead of future political contests.
Abiodun also announced plans to construct a new APC state secretariat within six months.
Reviewing his administration’s record, the governor listed achievements in infrastructure development, housing, healthcare, job creation, and youth and women empowerment. He disclosed that over 7,000 housing units and multiple primary healthcare centres have been delivered across the state.
He further noted that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) had commenced commercial oil drilling in Ogun Waterside, adding that the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) now stands at ₦17 trillion.
“These milestones are products of deliberate planning and strategic governance,” he said.
Abiodun pledged to ensure a smooth and transparent transition at the end of his tenure and expressed appreciation for the president’s support for Ogun State. He revealed plans, with federal backing, to establish a large-scale dairy and cattle ranch project in Ipokia Local Government Area and Yewa South.
Describing the endorsement of President Tinubu as strategic and well-deserved, the governor said continuity would enable ongoing reforms to be consolidated through 2031.
The meeting was attended by serving and former lawmakers, members of the Ogun State Executive Council, National Working Committee representatives, local government chairmen, ward executives, former commissioners, liaison officers, and other APC stakeholders across the state.
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