Nigeria will overcome inherited economic crisis, says Oluremi Tinubu

By Kunle Sanni –

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has reaffirmed the Nigerian government’s commitment to steering the country out of its inherited economic crisis, citing the removal of fuel subsidy and a renewed focus on local oil refining as key reforms.

Tinubu made the remarks in an interview with Fox News during Nigeria’s official visit to Washington, just days after United States President Donald Trump publicly praised her at the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C.

On Thursday, President Trump described Senator Tinubu as a “very respected woman” while acknowledging her presence and role at the high-profile gathering attended by political and religious leaders.

In her comments, the First Lady said the Tinubu administration is taking bold but necessary steps to fix long-standing structural problems in Nigeria’s economy.

“We want the outside world to know that this government will bring us out of the economic crisis we inherited,” she said. “This is the first time the government has removed the subsidy. We were producing oil, but we were not refining it. Now, we have refined products.”

She also emphasised the importance of public engagement and democratic values as reforms continue, noting that Nigerians are gradually gaining a clearer understanding of the economic situation.

“We have been able to educate them more about the situation. We live in Nigeria, and we know this is a democracy,” Tinubu added.