Govt will not abandon poor Nigerians as reforms continue — Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has promised to strengthen social protection programmes for poor and vulnerable Nigerians while pursuing policies aimed at creating long-term pathways out of poverty.

Tinubu made the pledge in his Independence Day address to the nation on Thursday, October 1, 2026.

The President acknowledged that millions of Nigerians still struggle to afford food, school fees, medical bills and transportation despite the economic reforms implemented by his administration.

He said the difficulties faced by vulnerable Nigerians predated his administration and were the result of decades of low productivity, inadequate infrastructure and limited economic opportunities.

“We cannot erase in four years what accumulated over generations. But we can change its course,” Tinubu said.

He said the government was strengthening direct support for poor households and improving the National Social Register to ensure that assistance reaches people who need it.

Tinubu also highlighted the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, saying it was helping students from low-income families pursue higher education without being restricted by their parents’ inability to pay fees.

He cited the Consumer Credit Corporation, CREDICORP, as another intervention designed to give working Nigerians access to credit for vehicles, solar systems, digital devices and other essential assets.

The President also promised continued collaboration with state and local governments to strengthen primary healthcare, basic education and other essential public services.

He said salaries and pensions had been paid on time since 2023 and noted reforms to the national pension programme.

However, Tinubu stressed that welfare programmes were not intended to permanently manage poverty.

“These programmes are not substitutes for prosperity. They are a bridge to aid our nation’s citizens on their path towards it,” he said.

“Our objective is not to manage poverty more efficiently. We will defeat it.”

The President said sustained economic growth and the creation of millions of productive opportunities would be necessary to achieve that goal.