‘Stop Demarketing Your Country’ — Umahi Tells Nigerians

• Minister of Works David Umahi has urged Nigerians at home and abroad to stop demarketing the country and instead support President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, saying negativity and self-criticism only harm national progress.

Minister of Works, David Umahi, has urged Nigerians at home and abroad to stop de-marketing the country and instead promote unity, patriotism, and faith in President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms.

Speaking in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Sunday, Umahi expressed concern over what he described as a “growing culture of negativity” and public condemnation of the nation, calling for a change in mindset.

“I feel so sad when people demarket the country both outside and inside Nigeria, cursing without knowledge,” Umahi said. “A job is very easy when you are not the one doing it. Let there be a rethink.”

The former Ebonyi State governor stressed the need for Nigerians to embrace optimism and discipline, noting that many citizens endure hardship and follow strict rules abroad but often disregard the same principles when back home.

“When our people go outside the country, they suffer more. They work for 19 hours and obey all rules. But when they come here, they break all the rules. That is not good. 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,” he said.

Umahi emphasized that Nigeria remains full of opportunities, but citizens must “open their eyes to see the light” and work together to build the nation. He called for forgiveness, optimism, and constructive criticism rather than bitterness or hopelessness.

“Let us work with the fear of God and support our government. Nigeria is great again,” he added.

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On Tinubu’s Economic Reforms

Umahi praised President Tinubu’s administration for showing courage in the face of a “terrible economic situation” inherited from the previous government. He commended Tinubu for not lamenting publicly, describing it as a sign of true leadership.

“As a governor then, I knew what the Tinubu administration inherited. Everything became a priority, and the burden of debt was terrible,” Umahi explained.

“Many debts were not used for infrastructure development. Even our fuel was sold in advance, but it is a matter of courage—and that’s why the president is not complaining. We shall overcome.”

The Works Minister highlighted that key economic indicators are beginning to improve, citing a drop in inflation, GDP growth rising to 4.23 per cent, and foreign reserves increasing by over 42 per cent.

“All the indices are breathing well and the worst is over. The macroeconomy is doing very well,” he said. “Infrastructure development will help reduce hunger and stimulate the economy. For me, the president has taken back the nation for us.”

Umahi concluded by urging Nigerians to focus on hard work and perseverance rather than criticism.

“Forget about the noisemakers. There will always be people making noise. Our generation must work harder than our forefathers. Hard work pays — even the Bible says he that does not work should not eat,” he said.