President cites Middle East crisis, inflation fears, and power challenges but insists reforms are on track…..
President Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerians that the country will weather its current economic and structural challenges, expressing confidence that ongoing reforms will eventually deliver relief.
Speaking after special prayers marking his 74th birthday at the National Mosque Abuja, the President acknowledged the strain many citizens are facing from rising transport costs to persistent electricity issues and inflationary pressures.
“We are challenged,” Tinubu admitted. “There is the problem of electricity, transportation costs, and expected inflation driven by global events beyond our control. But we will overcome.”
Blames global crisis for economic strain
The President pointed to the ongoing tensions in the Middle East as a major external factor worsening Nigeria’s economic outlook, particularly through rising energy costs and supply disruptions.
According to him, the situation is not homegrown but part of broader global instability affecting many economies.
“We are going through a difficult period that is not of our own making,” he said, while calling for global peace and stability.
A moment of reflection, not celebration
Tinubu described his birthday as a solemn occasion, focused on gratitude and reflection rather than festivities.
He thanked Nigerians for the outpouring of goodwill messages and urged citizens to remain committed to national development.
“It is a time to reflect, give thanks, and rededicate ourselves to the progress and prosperity of our country,” he said.
Prayers, politics, and power signals
The prayer session, led by prominent traditional and religious leaders, drew a wide range of political heavyweights, including Vice President Kashim Shettima and senior government officials.
The gathering was framed as a spiritual exercise focused on seeking guidance, strength, and stability for the country.
Supporters at the event used the opportunity to highlight what they described as progress under the administration.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, called the moment historic, while the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, argued that recent investments in infrastructure and agriculture are beginning to yield results.
Similarly, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma said the administration’s policies are already reshaping the country’s trajectory.
Power sector and reform push
Tinubu has consistently defended his reform agenda, acknowledging inherited challenges such as weak electricity infrastructure, debts in the power sector, and outdated transmission systems.
As part of efforts to address these issues, he recently announced plans to inject about 1,500 megawatts into the national grid through new infrastructure initiatives.
A test of resilience
Despite mounting economic pressure, the President maintains that there are early signs of improvement, describing the current phase as a temporary setback on the path to recovery.
With his administration approaching its third year in office, Tinubu’s message remains clear: the road may be difficult, but the government believes Nigeria is moving in the right direction.
