Minister of Works, David Umahi, has appealed to Nigerians both at home and abroad to stop de-marketing the country and instead promote unity, optimism, and patriotism.
Speaking in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja on Sunday, Umahi expressed concern over what he described as a rising culture of negativity against Nigeria.
“I feel so sad when people de-market the country both outside and inside Nigeria, cursing without knowledge. This is because a job is very easy when you are not the one doing it. Let there be a rethink,” he said.
He urged Nigerians to put the nation first and act with the fear of God.
“I wonder that when our people go outside the country, they suffer more; they pass through all kinds of humiliations and oppression; they work sometimes for 19 hours and obey all the rules. But when they come here, they break all the rules. That is not good; let us have hope here. This is the only country you can make 100 per cent doing a job, whereas you can’t make more than 10 per cent outside the country,” he added.
The minister noted that Nigeria has many opportunities but said people would not see progress if they chose to remain negative.
He encouraged citizens to stay hopeful, love one another, and approach issues without bitterness.
“There is a saying that forgiveness sets the captive free, and when you are forgiven, you will find out that you were the captive. So let us work with the fear of God and support our government, and of course, engage in constructive criticism. Nigeria is great again,” he said.
Umahi commended President Bola Tinubu for his resilience and commitment in addressing what he called a terrible economic situation inherited from the previous administration.
He said the president’s refusal to complain publicly showed courage and true leadership.
“As a governor, I knew what the Tinubu administration inherited. Everything became a priority, and the burden of debt was terrible. Many debts were not used for infrastructure development; otherwise, it would have been a catalyst for growth. Even our fuel was sold in advance, but it is a matter of courage, and that is why the president is not complaining,” he said.
Umahi added that the nation’s economic indicators were improving, claiming inflation had dropped, GDP growth had risen to 4.23 per cent, and foreign reserves had increased by over 42 per cent.
“So all the indices are breathing well, and the worst is over. The macroeconomy is doing very well. The president’s focus on infrastructure will also ease hunger and strengthen the economy,” he said.
He urged Nigerians to ignore critics and embrace hard work.
“Hard work pays; even the Bible says he that doesn’t work should not eat,” he concluded.
