Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has acknowledged that millions of Nigerians are still struggling to meet basic needs, including food, school fees, medical bills and transportation costs.
Tinubu made the remarks on Thursday, October 1, 2026, during his Independence Day speech to Nigerians as the country marked its 66th anniversary.
The President noted that the hardship faced by many families did not begin with his administration’s economic reforms, attributing the situation to decades of low productivity, inadequate infrastructure, limited opportunities and institutional failures.
“I’m conscious that millions of our fellow citizens cannot wait for tomorrow. Some Nigerian families still struggle today for the next meal, the next school fees, the next medical bill, or simply finding enough money to get to work. Their circumstances did not begin with the reform of the last three years,” he stated.
Tinubu acknowledged that the challenges remain despite the reforms introduced over the past three years, while arguing that the problems had accumulated over generations.
He maintained that his administration could not erase decades of difficulties within four years but could work to change the country’s economic direction and build an economy that lifts people out of poverty.
“We cannot erase in four years what accumulated over generations, but we can change its course. We can build an economy that steadily lifts people out of poverty, while ensuring that those who remain vulnerable are not abandoned along the way,” he added.
Tinubu’s remarks come amid continued public discussion over the impact of economic reforms and the cost of living on Nigerian households.
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