President Bola Tinubu has declared that his administration has steered Nigeria’s economy away from the brink of collapse, assuring Nigerians residing in Saint Lucia that bold reforms are restoring stability and rebuilding investor confidence. According to Tinubu, the nation was nearly bankrupt when he took office. This was revealed in a statement issued on Thursday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy. During an interactive session with Nigerians on Wednesday at the Windjammer Resort in Castries, the President outlined the challenging economic situation his government inherited and the measures adopted to address it. “We inherited a country that was near bankruptcy. “But we have been able to rescue the economy. Nigeria has recovered. We have made the smuggling of our oil unattractive. “We have stopped chasing forex papers at the Central Bank of Nigeria,” Tinubu said. He acknowledged that although Nigeria’s per capita income remains low, the government is implementing policies to drive inclusive growth and long-term economic stability. “For the professionals living here, our government will not abandon you. But you must work hard. It is our job to help you succeed,” Tinubu said. The meeting, which brought together Nigerian professionals, students and religious leaders in Saint Lucia, was the second in two days. The first was held on Tuesday night at the official residence of Saint Lucia’s Prime Minister, Philip J. Pierre. Organised by the Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the forum provided an opportunity for the President to directly engage with citizens abroad. Dabiri-Erewa hailed the positive contributions Nigerians are making in Saint Lucia and encouraged them to maintain strong ties to their homeland. “Nigeria is proud of what you contribute to Saint Lucia,” she said, thanking Tinubu for meeting with the community.