Nigeria’s Minister of Works, David Umahi, has appealed to citizens 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 on Sunday, Umahi expressed concern over what he described as a rising culture of negativity and public condemnation of Nigeria.
“I feel so sad when people demarket the country both outside and inside Nigeria, cursing without knowledge,” Umahi said. “It’s easy to criticise when you’re not the one doing the job. We all need to put Nigeria first and act with the fear of God.”
The minister lamented that many Nigerians who obey laws abroad often disregard them at home, urging citizens to show the same discipline and dedication within their own country.
“When our people go outside the country, they obey all the rules, even working 19 hours a day. But when they come here, they break all the rules. That’s not good,” he said. “This is the only country where you can make 100 per cent of what you work for, while abroad you can’t make more than 10 per cent.”
Umahi maintained that Nigeria offers numerous opportunities but argued that negativity prevents many from seeing them. He encouraged citizens to adopt a more hopeful and constructive outlook.
“Approaching issues with bitterness and being unappreciative will not do anyone any good,” he said. “Forgiveness sets the captive free. Let us work with the fear of God and support our government, engaging only in constructive criticism.”
The minister also praised President Bola Tinubu’s handling of what he described as a “terrible economic situation” inherited from the previous administration.
“As a former governor, I know what this government inherited,” Umahi said. “The burden of debt was terrible, and even fuel was sold in advance. But the president has shown courage by not complaining publicly.”
According to Umahi, recent economic indicators show signs of improvement, with inflation easing, GDP growth exceeding 4.2 per cent, and foreign reserves increasing by more than 42 per cent.
“All the indices are breathing well,” he said. “The worst is over. The darkest part of the morning is the dawn.”
He added that the government’s ongoing infrastructure projects would help stimulate the economy and reduce hardship, calling on Nigerians to remain patient and hardworking.
“Hard work pays,” Umahi concluded. “Even the Bible says that he who does not work should not eat.”