Rep. Babajimi Benson, member of the House of Representatives representing Ikorodu Federal Constituency, expressed optimism about Nigeria’s prospects in 2025. In an appearance on Lagos Television’s “The Conversation” segment, Benson acknowledged that 2024 was a challenging year for the country, marked by subsidy removal, unified exchange rates, and hardship for citizens.

Benson acknowledged that 2024 was a challenging year for the country, marked by subsidy removal, unified exchange rates, and hardship for citizens. However, he likened 2024 to a pregnancy, characterized by pain and discomfort, but emphasized that 2025 would bring a successful birth, marked by a renaissance of infrastructure development and opportunities.

The lawmaker credited President Bola Tinubu’s “tough love” approach, which involved making difficult decisions to ensure a better future, for the country’s progress. “The President practiced what we call ‘tough love’ in 2024,” Benson explained. “This is when a person looks their children in the eyes and tells them to tighten their belts so that tomorrow will be good.”

Benson also addressed criticisms about the government’s luxurious lifestyle, arguing that it was part of the “tools of trade” and that the legislative arm provided infrastructure and added value to the country.

The lawmaker expressed confidence in the President’s ability to gradually reduce the cost of living, citing his experience as an accountant and auditor. “I believe Mr. President, being a worthy accountant and auditor, knows how to gradually cut down and reduce the cost of living,” Benson said.

The Chairman House Committee on Defense highlighted several positive developments in 2025, including the Dangote refinery’s production of over 600,000 barrels of oil per day, making Nigeria an exporter of PMS. “The Dangote refinery has changed the global politics of the oil and gas industry,” Benson said. “Nigeria is now an exporter of PMS.”

As the representative of Ikorodu, Benson boasted of attracting infrastructure development, including 70 roads, stadiums, and ICT centers. “We have been able to attract infrastructure development, including 70 roads in a federal constituency,” Benson said.

Benson expressed his commitment to completing 22 ongoing projects in 2025, focusing on youth development and fitting them into the global economy. “We have 22 projects that are not completed yet, but we hope to complete them this year,” Benson said.

With his positive outlook for 2025, Benson has reassured his constituents and Nigerians at large that the country is on the path to greatness.