U.S. Senator Cory Booker has lauded the bold actions taken by Nigerian President Bola Tinubu in the early days of his administration, commending him for having “the courage to do very difficult things, right at the beginning of your term.”
Booker, a Democrat from New Jersey, made the remarks during an official visit to Nigeria’s capital Abuja this week, where he met with Tinubu to discuss bilateral relations and issues impacting the African continent.
“You are a leader of particular character,” Booker told Tinubu, according to remarks released by the U.S. Senator’s office. “Something that many American leaders should look to [is] someone who believes so much in their people that they can make difficult decisions and know that their country is resilient and strong to endure so that it can emerge stronger on the other side.”
While Booker did not specify which policies he was referring to, the comments appear to reference Tinubu’s controversial decisions to remove fuel subsidies and allow the naira currency to float freely against the dollar – highly unpopular moves aimed at stabilizing Nigeria’s flailing economy.
The subsidy removals led to sharp increases in food and fuel prices, sparking protests and unrest in parts of the country. However, economic analysts largely supported the reforms as necessary if painful steps to rescue Nigeria from its fiscal crisis.
Speaking in Abuja, Booker commended Tinubu for exhibiting “courage” in pursuing such measures so rapidly after taking office in late May amidst high expectations from Nigerians eager for change.
The senator’s effusive praise marks a confident first foray onto the global stage for Tinubu after he secured a narrow election victory earlier this year.International leaders will be closely watching whether the new president can successfully navigate implementing complex economic reforms while keeping a lid on unrest.
Booker’s diplomatic mission to Nigeria and meetings with Tinubu also focused on strengthening U.S-Nigeria cooperation on security issues and investing in climate resiliency programs across West Africa.
