Nigeria Was Like a Cancer Patient in 2023” — Tinubu Says His Reforms Did Not Weaken the Economy

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has defended the economic reforms introduced by his administration, saying they did not weaken Nigeria’s economy but were necessary to address problems that had built up over many years.

Tinubu made the statement during his nationwide Independence Day address on October 1, 2026, as Nigeria marked its 66th anniversary of independence.

Reflecting on the state of the economy when he assumed office in 2023, the President compared Nigeria to a cancer patient who required serious treatment rather than temporary relief.

He explained that his administration therefore chose to take difficult decisions aimed at correcting what he described as longstanding economic distortions.

The President acknowledged that the reforms have caused hardship for many Nigerians, particularly through increased living costs and pressure on households and businesses. However, he maintained that the difficulties should not be interpreted as evidence that the reforms created Nigeria’s economic problems.

According to Tinubu, the weaknesses were already present before his administration came into office, and his government chose to confront them rather than continue policies that he believes were unsustainable.

The President also said Nigeria is now moving into a new phase of its economic programme, with greater attention being placed on prosperity, job creation, industrial growth, investment and improved living standards.

He pointed to improvements in some economic indicators as signs that the country is beginning to achieve greater stability, while acknowledging that many Nigerians are yet to feel the full benefits.

Tinubu further said Nigeria’s challenges were not created within a few years and therefore could not all be resolved within one four-year administration.

He said his government’s objective is to change the country’s economic direction and establish a stronger foundation that can support future growth.

As Nigeria celebrates 66 years of independence, the President urged Nigerians to remain hopeful and continue supporting the country’s development, saying the difficult reform period is giving way to a new phase focused on economic growth and prosperity.