President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has admitted that many Nigerians are still struggling. He made this statement on Democracy Day, June 12, 2026. Despite three years of reforms, economic hardship remains real for millions of citizens.
Why Tinubu Says the Reforms Were Necessary
Tinubu defended his economic decisions firmly. He said the reforms were not a choice. They were a necessity. When he took office in 2023, Nigeria’s finances were in bad shape. Investment had dried up. Economic uncertainty was threatening the country’s future.
“The reforms we are undertaking were not chosen for ease, but for necessity,” he said. “We chose to act, embracing reforms to advance Nigeria’s economic freedom.”
Furthermore, he said the reforms have restored stability. Federation revenues have increased. Fiscal transparency has improved. More investors are now putting money into Nigeria.
Sectors Showing Signs of Growth
Tinubu listed sectors that are now attracting investment. These include agriculture, energy, manufacturing, and technology. Mining, transportation, and the creative industry are also growing.
Non-oil exports grew by 21 per cent last year. That is a big achievement for Nigeria. More than 1,000 small businesses have been certified for export. The government is also deploying 10,000 tractors over five years to boost farming.
What About the Electricity Problem?
Power supply remains a major issue for Nigerians. Tinubu admitted this clearly. He said his administration inherited a broken electricity sector. There were generation shortfalls. Gas supply was inadequate. Infrastructure was weak. Over four million customers had no meters.
However, steps are being taken. Tinubu signed the Electricity Act. This law allows states to generate and distribute their own power. A N4 trillion bond will settle legacy debts in the sector. The Rural Electrification Agency is also expanding power to hospitals, markets, and universities.
“Electricity is a democratic dividend we owe every Nigerian. We intend to deliver it,” Tinubu said.
Tinubu Acknowledges the Hardship
Despite the gains, Tinubu did not hide the truth. He admitted that hardship is still widespread. Many Nigerians are feeling the pain daily. Food prices are high. Jobs are scarce. Life is hard.
“Yet, many Nigerians still face economic hardship,” he said. “We remain focused on reducing inflation, expanding food production, and creating jobs.”
This was a rare moment of honesty from the President. Nevertheless, many Nigerians want to see action, not just words.
What Comes Next?
Tinubu promised that the next phase will focus on growth. He wants every Nigerian to feel the benefits of democracy. He wants change in every home and every community.
“We are moving from uncertainty to stability,” he said. “We believe that democracy must be felt in the pocket.”
The big question remains simple. Will the next three years bring real relief? Nigerians are watching and waiting.
For more political news, visit our Politics section on Mezie Media. You can also read more about Nigeria’s economy on the World Bank Nigeria page.
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