President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed confidence in his administration’s ability to revive Nigeria’s economy and address pressing security concerns, stating that the country is already on the path to recovery.
The President made this known during an interactive session with members of the Nigerian community in Saint Lucia on Wednesday, July 3, 2025. The meeting, which held at the Windjammer Resort in Castries, was part of President Tinubu’s diplomatic engagement with the Nigerian diaspora in the Caribbean nation.
According to a statement issued by Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu said his administration inherited a near-collapsed economy in 2023. However, he emphasized that deliberate and bold reforms have since been implemented to stabilize the system and restore investor confidence.
> “We inherited a country that was near bankruptcy. But we have been able to rescue the economy. Nigeria has recovered,” President Tinubu declared.
Ongoing Reforms and Key Achievements
Speaking further on the progress made, Tinubu highlighted several reforms carried out under his leadership. He pointed out that oil theft, a major drain on national resources, is now being curbed significantly. He also noted that the management of Nigeria’s foreign exchange system has become more transparent, reducing the loopholes that previously encouraged manipulation and corruption.
“We have made the smuggling of our oil unattractive. We have stopped chasing forex papers at the Central Bank of Nigeria,” he added.
Reassurance to Nigerians in Diaspora
The President reassured Nigerians in the diaspora of his administration’s commitment to their welfare and success, stating that government will not abandon them. He encouraged them to remain law-abiding, hard-working, and proud representatives of Nigeria wherever they reside.
“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 told the audience, which included students, businesspeople, and religious leaders.
Tinubu urged the community to be good ambassadors of the country and continue to uphold Nigeria’s reputation positively.
“My plea to you all: continue to be of good behaviour. Don’t break the law,” the President advised.
Reflecting on his own experience as a student in the United States over 50 years ago, President Tinubu shared that hard work and consistency were critical to his journey and success in life.
Concerns Over Work Permit Fees
During the session, the President of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) in Saint Lucia, Mr. Smart Duah, raised concerns over the $2,500 annual work permit fee imposed on Nigerians living in the country. Describing the fee as burdensome, Duah appealed to the Nigerian government to intervene and consider establishing a diplomatic mission in Saint Lucia to help address such challenges more effectively.
> “We urge the President to urgently establish a diplomatic mission in Saint Lucia,” Duah added.
In response, President Tinubu assured the community that the Nigerian government is already initiating diplomatic efforts to address the issue.
Praise from NiDCOM and Community Members
The Chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, who also spoke at the event, praised the Nigerian community in Saint Lucia for their resilience, discipline, and contributions to the host country.
> “Nigeria is proud of what you contribute to Saint Lucia,” she said, commending President Tinubu for personally engaging with Nigerians abroad.
Also speaking, a Nigerian paediatrician, Dr. Olugbemisola Ogunlusi, who has lived in Saint Lucia for almost two decades, expressed gratitude for the President’s visit and support. She explained that she and her husband, who currently serves as the head of a federal medical centre in Nigeria, raised their children in Saint Lucia, and all of them became medical doctors.
> “Since you arrived, you have propagated Nigeria more than ever thought,” she remarked.
A Continuation of Diaspora Engagement
This event marked President Tinubu’s second diaspora meeting within two days. The first took place on Tuesday at the official residence of the Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, Philip J. Pierre.
The President’s ongoing engagements with Nigerians abroad underscore his administration’s commitment to fostering strong ties with the diaspora community and ensuring that their voices and concerns are heard in national planning and diplomacy.
