President Bola Tinubu addressed a gathering of 16,190 lawyers at the Annual conference of the Nigerian Bar Association in Abuja, emphasizing the need for transformative economic reforms in Nigeria.
The President highlighted the detrimental effects of allocating 90% of the country’s scarce revenue to service external debts while grappling with significant developmental challenges.
In his dynamic speech, President Tinubu rallied the attendees, including prominent private sector leaders, to unite their efforts in eradicating poverty from the society.
He questioned the sustainability of such an economic approach and called for immediate action to drive the country toward growth and international recognition.
“Continuing to service external debts with the majority of our revenue is a perilous path. It is unsustainable. We must embrace the necessary, albeit difficult, changes to awaken our nation from its slumber and secure its place among the world’s leading nations,” the President asserted passionately.
President Tinubu addressed the conference theme, “Getting it Right: Charting the Course for Nigeria’s Nation-Building,” by stressing the importance of making challenging decisions for the country’s advancement.
He acknowledged that substantial reforms often entail initial discomfort but are essential for setting Nigeria on a trajectory of progress.
Elaborating on his commitment to justice reform, the President emphasized the need for competitive salaries and benefits for judicial officers and legal practitioners.
Drawing from his experience in implementing judicial reforms as Lagos State Governor, he expressed his determination to address this issue comprehensively.
With reference to Tony Elumelu’s keynote address on economic growth and development, President Tinubu lamented the persistence of poverty and inadequate electricity supply in Nigeria, despite the country’s gas abundance.
He pledged to focus on generating and distributing the electricity needed to boost the nation’s economy.
“It is unacceptable to battle poverty without adequate electricity. Uninterrupted power supply can uplift countless people from poverty. We must confront this challenge head-on,” President Tinubu affirmed.
In his welcome address, NBA President Yakubu Maikyau, SAN, praised President Tinubu’s track record of excellent performance during his tenure as Lagos State Governor and expressed confidence in his ability to deliver good governance at the national level.
The conference, attended by key government figures including the Attorney General of the Federation, Chief of Staff to the President, and senior officials, served as a platform for engaging discussions on pressing economic and developmental issues facing Nigeria.
President Tinubu’s impassioned call for transformative reforms resonated with the audience, emphasizing the urgency of proactive measures to secure a prosperous future for the nation.
