President Bola Tinubu has urged Nigerians, including his critics, to remain confident in Nigeria’s success and future, even as they criticise his administration’s policies.

“Criticise me, disagree with me, but never stop believing in Nigeria,” Mr Tinubu said in his Democracy Day speech on Friday.

He called on Nigerian youths to join hands in building the country through innovation and participation in democratic processes, stressing that it can only succeed when they stay to solve its problems rather than abandon it.

Mr Tinubu stated that his administration’s reforms, which have faced widespread criticism, “were not chosen for ease” but were necessary to advance Nigeria’s economic growth.

He said Nigeria’s economy was under “severe strain” when he took over the reins of government from former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2023.

“Three years ago, our public finances were under severe strain, investment was discouraged, and economic uncertainty threatened our future. We chose to act, embracing reforms to advance Nigeria’s economic freedom,” said Mr Tinubu.

The president maintained, however, that his reforms have restored stability and boosted revenue collection for the federation, despite reports that they have plunged more Nigerians into poverty.

“Fiscal transparency has improved, leakage has been reduced, and public funds are better directed to national priorities. Investor confidence has returned, with investments in agriculture, energy, manufacturing, technology, mining, transportation, and the creative industries growing,” the president said.

Meanwhile, since Mr Tinubu removed the fuel subsidy and announced the floating of the naira in 2023, Nigerians have been facing a rising cost of living. His government has repeatedly argued that the removal of subsidies saved Nigeria from collapse.

The development spiralled into high food and transport costs, with reports that poorer households spend up to 70 per cent of their income on feeding.

Last year, the World Bank projected that “inflationary pressure, particularly food prices”, would plunge about 141 million Nigerians into povertyby 2026.