President Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerians that the country will emerge stronger despite ongoing economic hardship, as he marked the third anniversary of his administration on May 29, 2026.
In a statement reported by Channels Television, the Nigerian leader said the country was passing through a difficult phase but maintained that recent reforms were necessary to prevent economic collapse.
Bola Tinubu said history often tests nations before they attain greatness, expressing confidence that Nigeria would become “stronger, fairer, more united, and more prosperous”.
The President defended major policy decisions taken since assuming office in 2023, including the removal of fuel subsidies and exchange rate reforms. According to him, the measures were difficult but unavoidable.
“The situation demanded urgent and courageous action,” Tinubu said, adding that failure to act could have pushed the country into deeper fiscal crisis and worsening poverty.
He acknowledged that the reforms had increased the cost of living and placed pressure on households and businesses, while many young Nigerians remained worried about employment opportunities.
Tinubu, however, insisted that signs of economic recovery were beginning to emerge. He pointed to improvements in public finances, growing investor confidence, and a surge in stock market performance.
According to the President, the Nigerian stock market’s All Share Index rose from 53,000 in 2023 to 250,000 in 2026, while market capitalisation increased from N30 trillion to N160 trillion.
He also highlighted ongoing infrastructure projects across the country, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway, Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Road, and East-West Road.
The President said more than 2,700 kilometres of highways and major roads were under construction, reconstruction or rehabilitation nationwide.
On energy and oil sector reforms, Tinubu stated that Nigeria had attracted fresh investment from international oil companies, while the $5 billion NLNG Train 7 project was nearing completion.
He further said the Nigerian Education Loan Fund had supported over 1.5 million students with more than N282 billion in disbursements to improve access to higher education.
Tinubu also cited progress in housing, healthcare, telecommunications and electricity, saying his administration was investing in transmission infrastructure, renewable energy and digital connectivity.
On security, the President said the military and other security agencies had intensified operations against terrorists, kidnappers, bandits and oil thieves across the country.
While admitting that the government had not solved all the nation’s problems, Tinubu said the foundations for recovery had been laid.
“We must ensure that the benefits of reform are felt more directly in the daily lives of ordinary Nigerians,” he stated.
