President Bola Tinubu has said that the difficult economic reforms undertaken by his administration rescued Nigeria from economic collapse and are already delivering positive outcomes across key sectors of the economy.

Tinubu made the remarks on Friday when Vice-President Kashim Shettima and governors, led by the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, paid him the traditional Sallah homage at his Lagos residence.

The President thanked the governors for their support and sacrifices in sustaining public confidence throughout the implementation of the reforms.

“It’s a very great joy because, as leaders in your various states and communities, you should be home receiving homages and other visitors.

“To find time to come here this evening is so refreshing and a blessing for all of us,” Tinubu said.

Reflecting on the circumstances surrounding his emergence as President and the difficult economic decisions taken since assuming office, Tinubu said the removal of fuel subsidy required courage and conviction.

According to him, despite litigation, criticism, and economic hardship, the administration remained focused on preventing the country from sliding into bankruptcy.

“Instead of bankruptcy, Nigeria has survived. The economy has recovered. The impact is growing. Agriculture is booming, food is here,” Tinubu declared.

The President commended the governors for encouraging Nigerians to remain patient during the implementation of what he described as painful but necessary reforms.

“You kept the spirit. You kept the hope. You persuaded our people to be patient and endure these three years of painful reform, where we put the economy on reset,” he said.

Tinubu stated that the positive effects of the reforms were already evident in economic performance and infrastructure development across the country.

“Today, the benefits are showing. The economy has recovered. Macroeconomic indices are doing very well. Construction is ongoing in roads and infrastructure. The abandoned ones have been rehabilitated.”

He added that the housing sector was showing steady improvement, while agriculture remained central to achieving food sovereignty and broader economic prosperity.

“Housing is coming on very well. Agriculture will prosper again. We will achieve food sovereignty if we utilise the lands in your various states effectively,” the President said.

Tinubu noted that many state governments were no longer dependent on federal intervention to pay salaries, attributing the development to improved economic management.

He also highlighted the economic potential of major infrastructure projects, including the Sokoto–Badagry Super Highway corridor.

“Imagine how many dams on that corridor for irrigation, farming and electricity.”

The President expressed appreciation to the governors for their continued confidence in his leadership and support for the administration’s programmes.

Earlier, Shettima said the Eid-el-Kabir celebration symbolised sacrifice, patience, courage, and leadership, adding that Tinubu had demonstrated those qualities through his reform agenda.

“The Eid-el-Kabir teaches us that the path to greatness is not paved by convenience, but by the courage to give up what is easy so that what is necessary may be,” he said.

According to the Vice-President, leadership requires sacrifice, courage, and the willingness to make difficult decisions in the national interest.

“Leadership is sacrifice. Leadership is the willingness to bear the burden of difficult choices so that others may live in peace and hope,” he said.

Shettima added that governors across the country appreciated the impact of the administration’s reforms, particularly in terms of improved allocations and enhanced fiscal stability.

Also speaking, Gov. AbdulRazaq commended the President for his efforts to build a peaceful and egalitarian nation.

He pledged the continued support of state governors towards building a stronger and more prosperous Nigeria.

The event was attended by Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, Gov. Mohammed Bago of Niger State, Gov. Agbu Kefas of Taraba State, Gov. Monday Okpebholo of Edo State, Gov. Hyacinth Alia of Benue State, Gov. Nasir Idris of Kebbi State, several deputy governors, and other dignitaries.