Tinubu blames Nigeria's hardship on decades of low productivity, not his reforms
President Bola Tinubu says the hardship millions of Nigerians face—struggling for food, school fees, medical bills, and transport—is not due to his administration's reforms but decades of low productivity, poor infrastructure, and few opportunities. He made this claim in his Independence Day speech on October 1, 2026, defending policies like fuel subsidy removal and forex changes.
Tinubu stressed that these problems built up over generations and cannot be erased in four years, but his government aims to change the trajectory while protecting the vulnerable. He acknowledged current suffering but insisted the roots predate his three-year-old reforms, citing families still unable to afford next meals or school fees.
The President's statement comes amid widespread criticism of economic policies that have increased living costs. With millions still unable to afford basics, the debate centers on whether reforms are the cause or if deeper, long-standing issues are to blame. DAILY POST notes Tinubu has repeatedly defended these reforms as necessary to reposition the economy.
Do you agree with Tinubu's assessment that Nigeria's hardship stems from decades of neglect rather than recent policies, or do you believe the reforms have worsened the situation for ordinary Nigerians?