Tinubu Reflects on Tough Start, Says Firm Leadership Was Needed to Push Key Reforms

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has acknowledged that he took a hardline approach at the beginning of his administration, explaining that the stance was necessary to confront deep-rooted challenges and introduce reforms aimed at improving the lives of ordinary Nigerians.

The President made the remarks during an interfaith Iftar gathering with senior journalists and media executives at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. Speaking openly during the event, he said the determination displayed in the early days of his government was part of efforts to identify opportunities for correcting long-standing problems within the country’s system.

Tinubu noted that he regularly keeps track of national issues through the media, revealing that reading newspapers every morning has become a daily routine. According to him, headlines and major reports often help him gauge public concerns and understand how policies are being perceived.

The President also highlighted what he described as progress toward strengthening federalism in Nigeria. He pointed to the policy allowing direct allocation of funds to local governments, saying the move was designed to empower grassroots authorities and improve service delivery at the community level.

While defending the initiative, Tinubu stressed that local administrations must take responsibility for how the funds are used, adding that development at the grassroots depends largely on accountability and effective management by local officials and community stakeholders.

He further emphasized the importance of the media in democratic governance, noting that journalists play a key role in scrutinizing leadership and encouraging meaningful national conversations about the country’s direction.