By Erewunmi Peace

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in his address to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day, stated that the country has “finally turned the corner” and that “the worst is over.” The remarks triggered mixed reactions from Nigerians, many of whom remain skeptical.

In his nationwide broadcast, Tinubu defended the painful economic reforms of the past two years and cited several indicators, such as GDP growth, inflation decline, rising trade surplus, and increased external reserves, as signs that Nigeria is emerging from its most difficult phase.

He also pledged continued focus on social investment, infrastructure development, and fiscal discipline to sustain recovery.

However, reactions from citizens and commentators have been sharp. Some question whether the everyday struggles—high food prices, unemployment, inflation—are consistent with the narrative that “the worst is over.” One comment read, “Which worst is over? Nigeria leaders think Nigerians are fools … the leaders will keep on coming up with new stories.”