Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has urged citizens to exercise patience as the country navigates a challenging economic landscape. He made this appeal during his Independence Day address, . He defended his contentious economic reforms, asserting that they are essential and beginning to yield positive outcomes.

Tinubu also claimed that Nigeria is making progress in combating the violence that has plagued the northern regions, a statement that some may find hard to believe given the ongoing issues. Meanwhile, demonstrations in the capital, Abuja, and in Lagos marked the 64th anniversary of independence from Britain, with protesters expressing their dissatisfaction with the government's economic management.

President Tinubu began his speech on Tuesday by telling Nigerians: "I am deeply aware of the struggles many of you face in these challenging times... I plead for your patience as the reforms we are implementing show positive signs, and we are beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel.

Following the speech, Lagos resident Michael Olaleye told the Reuters news agency: "Personally, me I am doubting if it is something that is going to work out because it has not shown really... majority of what the president is talking about has not shown."But another city dweller, Victory Azimih, urged Nigerians to be "optimistic" and acknowledge that the government cannot "fix everything".

Tinubu also addressed security in his speech, saying: "I am happy to announce to you, my compatriots, that our administration is winning the war on terror and banditry."He added that the government has eliminated commanders from Boko Haram - a leading Islamist militant group in Nigeria - "faster than ever".

military in Nigeria has escalated its efforts against armed groups, increasing both aerial

bombardments and ground operations. According to a military spokesperson, nearly 2,000 alleged terrorists were "neutralized" in the third quarter of the year.However, there have been tragic incidents amid these operations. Just last week, a military airstrike intended for armed groups in Kaduna state resulted in 24 casualties, hitting a mosque and residential areas, according to local reports.

Additionally, there are ongoing concerns about civilian safety, as attacks by these armed groups continue to be reported.Recently, media outlets indicated that armed attackers killed two individuals and abducted 44 more in separate incidents in Zamfara and Kaduna states.

This surge in violence has prompted protests, with demonstrators expressing their frustrations over the "destruction, hunger, insecurity, and the difficulties" attributed to the current government's actions.Similar protests occurred in August, resulting in the deaths of at least 21 people and numerous arrests on various charges.