President Bola Tinubu has asked Nigerians to exercise patience and have faith in his economic reforms.
The president said he is aware of the struggles many Nigerians face and the cost of living crisis in the country.
Nigerians have been grappling with high inflation on the back of the naira devaluation, rising petrol prices, and prevailing insecurity that has led to a decline in agricultural output.
Tinubu, in his Independence Day speech on Tuesday, said he is determined to find “sustainable solutions” to improve the fortunes of Nigerians.
“Fellow Nigerians, as I address you today, I am deeply aware of the struggles many of you face in these challenging times. Our administration knows that many of you struggle with rising living costs and the search for meaningful employment. I want to assure you that your voices are heard,” he said.
“As your President, I assure you that we are committed to finding sustainable solutions to alleviate the suffering of our citizens. Once again, I plead for your patience as the reforms we are implementing show positive signs, and we are beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel.
“Exactly 64 years ago, our founding fathers chose democracy as a form of government and launched the dream of a great country that would lead the rest of Africa out of poverty, ignorance, and underdevelopment, a beacon of hope to the rest of Africa and the world.
“Over six decades later, we can look back, and Nigerians worldwide can see how well we have succeeded in realising the lofty dreams of our founding fathers.”
The president called on Nigerians to remain hopeful for the future, saying the country has remained indivisible despite facing similar challenges that resulted in the “disintegration of other nations”.
“While it is tempting to focus on what has been left undone and where we have stumbled as a nation, we must never lose sight of how far we have come in forging and holding our country together,” he said.
“Since independence, our nation has survived many crises and upheavals that led to the dissolution and disintegration of many other nations worldwide. Six years after independence, our country descended into a political crisis that led to a bitter and avoidable civil war.
“Since returning from the brink of that darkest moment, we have learned to embrace our diversity and manage our differences better as we continue to work towards engendering a more perfect union.”
Tinubu said despite the challenges that “buffeted our country”, Nigeria remains a “strong, united, and viable sovereign” nation.
