The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has appealed to Nigerians at home and abroad to stop de-marketing the country, urging them instead to promote unity, optimism, and patriotism.
Speaking in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, Umahi expressed concern over what he described as a growing culture of negativity and public condemnation of Nigeria.
“I feel so sad when people de-market the country both outside and inside Nigeria, cursing without knowledge,” Umahi said. “A job always looks easy when you are not the one doing it. Let there be a rethink.”
He urged citizens to adopt a positive mindset and a sense of collective responsibility, adding that national progress requires cooperation and faith in the country.
“We are all journeying through this life, and there is a need to build lasting treasures beyond this life — by putting Nigeria first, by being our brother’s keeper, and by doing things with the fear of God,” he said.
Umahi lamented that many Nigerians obey rules and work tirelessly abroad, yet disregard laws when at home.
“When our people go outside the country, they suffer humiliation and oppression. They sometimes work for 19 hours a day and obey all the rules,” he noted. “But when they return home, they break the rules. That is not good. Let us have hope here. This is the only country where you can earn 100 per cent reward for your effort, whereas you can’t make up to 10 per cent outside.”
The minister emphasized that Nigeria is full of opportunities, but citizens must be willing to recognize and harness them. He urged Nigerians to approach issues with optimism and gratitude, rather than bitterness and cynicism.
“There is a saying that forgiveness sets the captive free — and often, when you are forgiven, you realize you were the captive,” Umahi added. “Let us work with the fear of God, support our government, and engage in constructive criticism. Nigeria is great again.”
Tinubu’s Leadership and Economic Reforms
Umahi commended President Bola Tinubu’s resilience and commitment in addressing what he described as a “terrible economic situation” inherited from the previous administration.
He praised the president’s refusal to complain publicly, calling it a demonstration of leadership courage.
“As a governor, I knew what the Tinubu administration inherited. Everything became a priority, and the burden of debt was terrible,” he said. “When I saw the capital projects, I realized that debt servicing was drawn from them. That was the major challenge.”
According to Umahi, many of the debts inherited by the current administration were not utilized for infrastructure, which should have served as a catalyst for growth.
“There were so many debts, and unfortunately, they were not used for development. But we shall overcome this,” he added. “Even our fuel was sold in advance, but with courage, we will rise above these challenges.”
The minister expressed optimism about the direction of the economy, stating that the government’s reforms are beginning to yield positive results.
He noted that inflation has started to decline, GDP growth has reached 4.23 per cent, and foreign reserves have risen by over 42 per cent.
“All the indices are breathing well, and the worst is over,” Umahi said. “As the president often says, the darkest part of the morning is the dawn. The macroeconomy is doing very well.”
He added that ongoing infrastructure projects will help address economic hardship by stimulating broader economic activities.
“Infrastructure development will trickle down to the micro economy and create a win-win situation for everyone,” he said. “The president has taken back the nation for us. Forget about the noise makers — there will always be people making noise.”
Umahi concluded by urging Nigerians to embrace hard work and discipline, emphasizing that progress requires collective effort.
“Our generation must work even harder than our forefathers,” he said. “Hard work pays. Even the Bible says that he who does not work should not eat.”
