President Bola Tinubu has defended the performance of his administration after three years in office, saying Nigeria is gradually recovering economically while recording progress in the fight against insecurity.
In a statement released on Friday, May 29, to mark his third anniversary in office, Tinubu acknowledged the economic hardship Nigerians have endured but maintained that difficult reforms introduced since 2023 were necessary to prevent deeper national problems.
Reflecting on the situation his administration inherited, the President said Nigeria faced severe fiscal pressures, insecurity, declining revenues, energy challenges and mounting public distrust in institutions.
He said, “When this administration assumed office, our nation faced profound economic and structural difficulties.
“Mounting fiscal pressures, unsustainable fuel subsidies, declining revenues, exchange-rate distortions, rising debt-servicing costs, insecurity in several parts of the country, energy supply constraints, and declining public confidence in institutions all threatened our progress.”
Tinubu admitted that reforms triggered higher living costs and hardship for many households but insisted the sacrifices were beginning to produce results.
“These decisions came with sacrifice. The rising cost of living triggered by our measures placed enormous pressure on families, workers, and businesses. Young people searching for jobs felt discouraged,” he said.
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He, however, assured Nigerians that the country had begun to stabilise.
“I remain deeply conscious of those sacrifices, and I assure you: your sacrifice has not been in vain. And Today, I can say with confidence that Nigeria has stabilised and is moving forward again,” Tinubu stated.
On security, the President said the government had intensified operations against insurgents, kidnappers, oil thieves and other criminal groups.
“Our Armed Forces and security agencies have intensified operations against terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, oil thieves, and criminal networks. While challenges remain, many communities and highways are becoming safer and more economically active,” he said.
Tinubu assured Nigerians that security agencies would sustain operations until citizens can live and travel safely.
“I want to assure you that this government will not relent until every Nigerian can live, work, travel, and dream in safety,” he added.
The President also appealed for unity and patience, saying the country was laying foundations for long-term national recovery.