President Bola Tinubu has stated that his administration took charge of a nearly bankrupt Nigeria and has since implemented reforms to rescue the economy, restore stability, and rebuild investor confidence.

According to a statement issued Thursday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu made these remarks during an interactive session with Nigerians in Saint Lucia held Wednesday at the Windjammer Resort in Castries.

Recounting the state of the nation when he assumed office, the President said:

“We inherited a country that was near bankruptcy. But we have been able to rescue the economy. Nigeria has recovered. We have made oil smuggling unattractive and stopped chasing forex papers at the Central Bank.”

He acknowledged the country’s still-low per capita income but assured that strategic policies are being implemented to drive inclusive economic growth and ensure long-term stability.

To Nigerians living abroad, Tinubu pledged support:

“Our government will not abandon you. But you must work hard. It is our job to help you succeed.”

The gathering, which included Nigerian professionals, students, and religious leaders, was the second in two days. An earlier session was held Tuesday night at the residence of Saint Lucia’s Prime Minister, Philip J. Pierre.

The engagement was facilitated by the Chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, who praised the contributions of Nigerians in Saint Lucia and urged them to remain connected to their homeland.

“Nigeria is proud of what you contribute to Saint Lucia,” she said, thanking the President for honouring the community with his presence.

During the forum, diaspora members raised concerns such as the high cost of work permits—reportedly $2,500 annually—and the absence of a Nigerian diplomatic mission in Saint Lucia.

Smart Duah, President of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation in the country, appealed for a diplomatic presence to ease such challenges. Tinubu responded, assuring the audience that steps are already being taken to address the issue through diplomatic channels.

Among those in attendance was Dr. Olugbemisola Ogunlusi, a paediatrician who has lived in Saint Lucia for nearly 20 years. She commended the President’s outreach and recounted how her family, including her husband—a top medical official in Nigeria—and their children have contributed to the medical field.

“Since you arrived, you have elevated Nigeria’s image more than we could have imagined,” she said.

Also speaking, Father Festus Iwuagwu, a Nigerian priest in Saint Lucia, said the large turnout for the meeting reflected the deep respect Nigerians in the country have for the President.

Tinubu urged the diaspora community to continue portraying Nigeria in a positive light and to remain law-abiding.

“My plea to you all: continue to be of good behaviour, don’t break the law,” he said.

Drawing from his own experience as a student in the U.S. more than 50 years ago, he encouraged them to remain consistent and hardworking:

“Life is about working hard, being consistent.”

To cap off the visit, the community presented the President with a custom portrait by Doris, a Saint Lucia-based Nigerian medical student and visual artist.