President Bola Tinubu says government’s social intervention programmes must serve as a bridge to prosperity, rather than become a permanent way of managing poverty in Nigeria.

The President made the point in his Independence Day address to Nigerians on Thursday, October 1, 2026, as he acknowledged that millions of citizens remain vulnerable despite the economic reforms introduced by his administration.

Tinubu said his government was strengthening direct support for the poorest households, improving the national social register and expanding access to education, healthcare and other essential public services.

He also highlighted the Nigeria Education Loan Fund, consumer credit initiatives and reforms to the national pension system as part of measures designed to support Nigerians who are struggling financially.

But rather than presenting these interventions as an end in themselves, the President said the ultimate objective was to create an economy capable of lifting people out of poverty through sustained growth and productive opportunities.

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

Tinubu acknowledged that such a goal would not be achieved overnight, saying it would require discipline, sustained economic growth and the creation of millions of productive opportunities across the country.

He linked that ambition to his administration’s broader economic agenda, including agricultural expansion, industrial growth, improved infrastructure, digital connectivity and support for businesses.

The President said the focus must now move beyond economic recovery towards a Nigeria where farmers can earn decent incomes, factories can operate reliably, businesses can access credit and young people can find productive work.

The emphasis marks a notable shift in the language of the administration’s economic message, from defending the necessity of difficult reforms to explaining what Nigerians should eventually gain from them.

Tinubu’s Independence Day address came as Nigeria marked 66 years of independence under the theme, “From Reforms to Stability: Consolidating Nigeria’s Renewed Hope for Shared Prosperity.”