President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday declared that Nigeria had emerged from the most difficult phase of its economic reform journey, assuring citizens that the sacrifices made in the last three years were beginning to produce stability, renewed investor confidence, and prospects for growth.

In his 2026 Eid-el-Kabir message to Muslims in Nigeria and across the world, the President said the country was gradually overcoming the economic turbulence that followed the implementation of major fiscal and monetary reforms by his administration.

According to him, the reforms had positioned Nigeria as an increasingly attractive investment destination capable of driving job creation and long-term economic expansion.

“Just as sacrifice brings reward, I am happy that the sacrifices and efforts we have made over the past three years have yielded a more stable economy, making our country a preferred investment destination that will drive job creation and economic growth,” Tinubu stated.

“The walk through the dark tunnel is over, and the light is here.”

The President acknowledged that Nigerians had endured significant hardship under the reform programme but expressed confidence that the policies would continue to deliver improved security, economic opportunities, and national stability.

He also addressed the country’s lingering security challenges, admitting that terrorists and bandits were still carrying out attacks in some communities despite intensified military operations.

Tinubu referenced the recent joint Nigeria-United States operation that led to the elimination of ISIS commander Abu-Bilal al-Manuki in the Lake Chad Basin, describing it as evidence of growing international collaboration against terrorism.

“I assure you: you are neither abandoned nor forgotten. We will ultimately defeat all the forces of evil,” the President said.

He urged religious leaders and citizens to use the Eid-el-Kabir celebration to pray for peace, unity, and national progress, while also extending support to vulnerable Nigerians affected by economic hardship.

Meanwhile, senior political leaders across the country echoed calls for sacrifice, unity, and national renewal in separate Sallah messages.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio said the season symbolised faith, obedience, and selflessness, virtues he described as essential to Nigeria’s recovery and stability.

Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau urged Nigerians to sustain prayers for peace and continue supporting vulnerable members of society, while Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas called for renewed commitment to charity and national service.

Governors across several states also appealed for peaceful coexistence and national unity.

Governor Monday Okpebholo said the Eid celebration should inspire citizens to work collectively for peace and development, while Sheriff Oborevwori urged Muslims to embrace compassion, sacrifice, and selflessness in national life.

Similarly, National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Nentawe Yilwatda, called on Nigerians to support the Tinubu administration’s reforms, saying patience, perseverance, and collective responsibility remained critical to rebuilding the nation’s economy and strengthening social cohesion.