President Bola Tinubu has said Nigerians are free to criticise or insult him without fear of reprisals, describing tolerance of criticism as part of his administration’s commitment to democratic freedoms and press freedom.

Tinubu made the remarks on Thursday, September 3, at the centenary celebration of the Daily Times of Nigeria Limited in Abuja. He was represented at the event by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume. “Let us admit that under this government, you can insult and attack the president and still go to bed without midnight troubles. This philosophy lies at the heart of the Renewed Hope Agenda,” Akume quoted the President as saying.

Tinubu said his administration recognises the important role of the media in shaping the direction of the country and understands that Nigeria’s current challenges developed over many years. According to him, many of the problems confronting the country are rooted in structural weaknesses that have accumulated over decades, requiring difficult decisions to address them.

He said the task of national renewal “requires the courage to understand where we have come from and confront what we have laid back and made difficult, necessary choices, but where we must go.” The President said the reforms undertaken by his administration go beyond individual policy changes and are intended to alter Nigeria’s long-term economic trajectory.

He said the reforms “are about changing the trajectory of our nation” and are aimed at building a stronger fiscal foundation, creating a more productive economy, strengthening institutions, attracting investment, improving infrastructure and expanding opportunities for young Nigerians. According to Tinubu, the objective is to enable Nigeria to “compete more meaningfully and purposefully in the global economy.”