Business
Tinubu to Nigerians in Saint Lucia: We’ve made oil smuggling unattractive, rescued economy
President Bola Tinubu has said his administration has made the smuggling of Nigeria’s crude oil unattractive, even as he declared that the country, which was near bankruptcy when he took office, has now recovered economically.
Speaking during a meeting with Nigerians living in Saint Lucia on Wednesday, the President said his government inherited a struggling economy, but has taken tough decisions to stabilise it.
“We inherited a country that was near bankruptcy, but we have been able to rescue the economy. Nigeria has recovered. We have made the smuggling of our oil unattractive. We have stopped chasing forex papers at the Central Bank of Nigeria,” Tinubu said.
The President met with members of the Nigerian community at the Windjammer Resort, where he has been staying during his state visit. It was the second such meeting in two days, following an earlier engagement on Tuesday night at the official residence of Saint Lucia’s Prime Minister, Philip Pierre.
Reassuring the diaspora community, Tinubu said his administration is committed to raising the country’s per capita income and ensuring economic stability.
While urging the Nigerian community to be law-abiding and maintain good conduct, he praised their contributions and reputation in their host country.
“From what I’ve heard from my hosts, you’ve been of good behaviour. My plea to you all is: continue to be of good behaviour. Don’t break the law,” he said.
Recalling his days as a student in the United States five decades ago, Tinubu encouraged Nigerians in Saint Lucia to remain diligent and focused.
“Life is about working hard and being consistent. For the professionals living here, our government will not abandon you. But you must work hard. It is our job to help you succeed,” he added.
The interactive session was organised by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), chaired by Abike Dabiri-Erewa, and attended by Nigerian professionals and students residing in the Caribbean nation.
Dabiri-Erewa commended the President for taking the time to meet the community and lauded the positive impact Nigerians are making in Saint Lucia.
President of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO), Smart Duah, used the opportunity to highlight some of the challenges Nigerians face, including the high cost of work permits, which he said stand at $2,500 per year.
He also urged President Tinubu to establish a Nigerian diplomatic mission in Saint Lucia, a move the President pledged to pursue.
A Nigerian Catholic priest in Saint Lucia, Father Festus Iwuagwu, said the impressive turnout at the meeting was a reflection of the community’s respect and affection for President Tinubu.
Also speaking, Dr Olugbemisola Ogunlusi, a paediatrician trained at Obafemi Awolowo University who relocated to Saint Lucia 19 years ago, expressed her excitement at the President’s visit.
“Since you arrived, you have propagated Nigeria more than we ever thought,” she said, noting that her children, raised in Saint Lucia, have also become medical doctors. Her husband, she added, returned to Nigeria and now serves as chief medical director of a federal medical centre.
