Friday, May 29, 2026

President Tinubu says reforms stabilising economy despite hardship

Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu said on Friday his economic reforms stabilised the country and revived investor confidence, despite a ​steep cost-of-living squeeze on households three years into his presidency.

Tinubu, ‌who is seeking re-election in January, cited a near fivefold surge in the stock market to a record 250,000 points, rising market capitalisation and increased infrastructure spending, ​including more than 2,700 km (1,678 miles) of roads under construction or ​rehabilitation, and ongoing rail upgrades.

Since 2023, Tinubu's reforms — scrapping ⁠a costly petrol subsidy, cutting electricity subsidies and devaluing the naira currency — ​have triggered the worst cost-of-living crisis in a generation.

In an anniversary statement ​on Friday, Tinubu said that painful reforms were beginning to yield macroeconomic gains — stronger public finances, rising market confidence and fresh investment.
"Today, I can say with confidence that ​Nigeria has stabilised and is moving forward again. Across the country, ​visible progress is taking shape," he said.

He also said reforms had drawn new oil ‌and ⁠gas investment and lifted domestic refining, cutting fuel imports and easing foreign exchange pressure, adding that efforts to clear 4 trillion naira ($2.92 billion) in power sector debts, expand transmission and increase output were ongoing, with better ​electricity supply key ​to growth.

Security operations ⁠against armed groups and criminal gangs have intensified, he said, with some gains despite ongoing challenges.

Nigeria has ​battled banditry in the northwest, communal violence in central ​states, a ⁠separatist movement in the southeast and a 17-year Islamist insurgency in the northeast, with militants this year stepping up attacks on military bases.

Tinubu urged ⁠Nigerians to ​stay the course, saying the "foundation for recovery ​has been laid" and that the benefits of reform would become more visible over time.

By Camillus Eboh, Reuters

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