Gbenga Daniel Says Nigeria Has Moved Past Its Toughest Period

Senator representing Ogun East, Gbenga Daniel, has said Nigeria has crossed what he described as its “worst phase,” expressing optimism about the country’s economic and political direction following recent policy shifts by the federal government.

Daniel made the statement while speaking to journalists, noting that although many Nigerians are still feeling the effects of economic hardship, key indicators suggest the country is gradually stabilising after a difficult transition period.

According to the former Ogun State governor, reforms in areas such as fiscal management, infrastructure development, and security coordination are beginning to show early results, even if the benefits are not yet fully reflected in household incomes.

He said the removal of longstanding structural bottlenecks, while painful at first, was necessary to reset the economy and attract long-term investment. Daniel added that government must now focus on cushioning vulnerable citizens and speeding up projects that directly impact jobs and productivity.

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The senator also pointed to increased engagement with the private sector and international partners as signs that confidence in Nigeria’s economy is slowly returning. He said such partnerships are important for boosting manufacturing, agriculture, and energy supply.

On national security, Daniel acknowledged that challenges remain but said improved collaboration among security agencies and state governments has started to limit the spread of violent incidents in some regions. He stressed that sustained political will and community involvement are needed to consolidate the gains.

He urged Nigerians to remain patient while holding leaders accountable, saying recovery after years of economic strain cannot happen overnight. Daniel added that constructive criticism and civic engagement are essential to strengthening democracy and ensuring reforms stay on track.

The senator also called on lawmakers to support policies that promote growth rather than short-term political interests, arguing that stability and investor confidence depend largely on consistent legislation and oversight.

However, some analysts say public perception of recovery may differ from official assessments, especially as inflation and unemployment remain major concerns. They argue that tangible improvements in cost of living and access to basic services will be the true test of whether the country has indeed turned a corner.

Daniel maintained that while challenges persist, Nigeria is no longer in a free fall and now has the opportunity to build a more resilient economy if reforms are sustained and governance remains focused on results.

He concluded by calling for unity across political lines, saying national recovery requires cooperation from all levels of government, the private sector, and citizens alike.