President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in his Independence Day broadcast on October 1, 2025, admitted that reforms have come with “temporary pains” for Nigerians.

He highlighted the struggles that affect daily life and assured citizens that his government is working to ease them.

Here are four major struggles he pointed out, along with his promises.

1. The rising cost of living

Tinubu admitted that many households are struggling with high prices and inflation.

He said, “I have always candidly acknowledged that these reforms have come with some temporary pains. The biting effects of inflation and the rising cost of living remain a significant concern to our government.”

He promised that reforms in agriculture and food security will bring down food costs in the months ahead.

2. The struggle with power supply

The president acknowledged that electricity remains a major challenge for homes and industries.

He said, “We do not have enough electricity to power our industries and homes today, or the resources to repair our deteriorating roads, build seaports, railroads, and international airports comparable to the best in the world, because we failed to make the necessary investments decades ago.”

According to him, long-term investments are being made to improve power and infrastructure across the country.

3. The burden of poor infrastructure

Tinubu admitted that years of neglect have left Nigerians battling with bad roads, overstretched schools and weak health facilities.

He said, “We must build the roads we need, repair the ones that have become decrepit, and construct the schools our children will attend and the hospitals that will care for our people. We have to plan for the generations that will come after us.”

He promised that funds are being redirected to infrastructure that will serve both current and future generations.

4. The weight of sacrifice

The president acknowledged that ending fuel subsidy and reforming foreign exchange policies have brought hardship, but insisted the sacrifices are not wasted.

He said, “Upon assuming office, our administration inherited a near-collapsed economy… we chose the path of reform… I am pleased to report that we have finally turned the corner. The worst is over, I say. Yesterday’s pains are giving way to relief.”

Tinubu assured citizens that the economy is recovering and that relief will soon reach families.

Tinubu’s speech went beyond statistics. He admitted the pain that Nigerians feel in their kitchens, on the roads and in their homes, but promised that his reforms would bring lasting change. For many, the real test will be whether these promises translate into visible improvements in daily life.