President Bola Tinubu has issued a warning to the newly appointed ministers in his cabinet, urging them to stay strong and prepared for criticism.

Speaking at their official inauguration at the State House in Abuja on Monday, President Tinubu reminded the ministers that being in public service often means facing harsh opinions from citizens.

“You will be part of criticism and abuse,” he told the seven ministers. “Don’t worry; stay focused; stay resilient.”

The seven ministers joining Tinubu’s team include Nentawe Yilwatda as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Muhammadu Dingyadi as Minister of Labour and Employment, Bianca Odumegu-Ojukwu as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Jumoke Oduwole as Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Idi Maiha as Minister of Livestock Development, Yusuf Ata as Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, and Suwaiba Ahmad as Minister of State for Education.

The ministers were recently screened and approved by the Senate.

During his speech, President Tinubu expressed his gratitude to the ministers for accepting the roles despite the difficult times Nigeria is currently facing.

The president also told the ministers of the tough road ahead.

He said they were joining his government at a time when Nigeria was “facing the challenges of economic growth and other items like security challenges.”

“It is not easy to find just the unique people that will surrender their lives, freedoms and other responsibilities to serve their nation anytime in this time of challenges,” he said.

He reiterated the need for these reforms initiated by his administration since his assumption of office in May 2023. He explained that they are necessary to stabilize the country’s finances and support long-term growth.

Tinubu said, “For us, it was a challenge when the nation was servicing its debt with 97 per cent of its revenue; it’s nothing but end of the cliff. But today, I can report to you that we brought that one down and it is at 65 per cent and we have never defaulted in paying or meeting all obligations, both foreign and domestic.”

His speech reads in full:

Let me first of all thank the National Assembly for diligently and expeditiously reviewing and committing themselves to duty on the constitutional assignments on the seven new ministers.

Again I congratulate the newly sworn in seven ministers. I congratulate you and thank you for accepting to serve this nation.

The moment is challenging, the present situation calls for a very serious commitment. Yours is a duty to serve and that’s what you’ve got to do.

I really appreciate the fact that you have taken the oath of office and (are) ready to serve your nation at the time we are facing the challenges of economic growth and other items like security challenges and others.

It is not easy to find just the unique people that will surrender their lives, freedoms and other responsibilities to serve their nation anytime in this time of challenges. I am sincerely happy that you have done that and that you are here today to be part of a very committed team of Nigerians who have been working tirelessly since 17 months ago that we assumed the responsibility of governing this country.

You are called upon to join the team to rescue this country

Service is the hallmark of this human endeavour. You are being called upon to serve … Since 17 months, I thank many of the ministers that are present here today for hard work that they have embarked upon tirelessly to put Nigeria on the recovery path.

Economic recovery is on the horizon. We have a good path to realise our dreams and it is not just only for us, it is for our children and grandchildren

Despite the challenges (yo’ve joined us) to face the job of re-engineering and retooling the economic path of this country.

Yes, cost of living has gone up. I recognise that and we have satisfied the obligation of paying a new minimum wage across the board.

For us it was a challenge when the nation was servicing its debt with 97 per cent of its revenue, it’s nothing but end of the cliff. But today I can report to you that we brought that one down and it is at 65 per cent and we have never defaulted in paying or meeting all obligations, both foreign and domestic…

We have our head above the water. All other countries too around us and across the world are facing challenges. In fact, there’s a lot of crime in Europe and America.

(This is) what pandemic has brought to the economics of the world but we are navigating through this and we are working hard. You will be part of criticism and abuse. Don’t worry; stay focused; stay resilient.

Your thanks will come with the history of growth and prosperity for this country

It is my joy and honour to be part of you, to be responsible for over 200 million people in this country. We have taken the bull by the horns. We have stopped the scavengers. We are going to stop completely the profiteers and smugglers of our resources across the country. We are not going to run away from our responsibility, we are going to face it and we have been facing it head-on.

With you as a member of this team, I will be proud and I am proud and honoured that I am leading you and we will lead (Nigeria) to success and prosperity.

All I can say is welcome aboard. This ship will not sink. God bless you and God bless Nigeria.