First Lady says the 'worst is over' for reforms: what the latest price figures show

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu told an APC women's rally in Enugu on Saturday 31 October that the hardest part of the government's economic reforms is over and Nigeria is 'stepping into prosperity'. Official figures show inflation has slowed for several months in a row, but prices are still rising, and food prices remain much higher than a year ago.

Speaking at the South-East zonal APC Women Presidential Rally at Okpara Square, Enugu, Senator Oluremi Tinubu likened the reforms to childbirth. 'Mr. President said I should greet everyone. We have done reforms and we are now in prosperity. Don't allow anyone to deceive you. The worst is over. We are stepping into prosperity,' she said, according to Vanguard and ThisDay. TVC also reported her saying: 'The pain of labour to birth a child is over. It is time for joy and prosperity.' She urged women to support President Bola Tinubu's re-election bid in 2027.

At the rally, sewing machines, food processors, generators and popcorn machines were handed to women from the five South-East states. The First Lady also announced that on 3 December, APC senatorial candidates in Enugu State would be given funds to support 250 women each with ₦200,000 business grants, and that 250 people aged 65 and above would be supported on 17 December, Vanguard reported. Governors Peter Mbah, Hope Uzodimma and Francis Nwifuru also spoke in support of the President's re-election.

What the official numbers say: the National Bureau of Statistics reported that headline inflation fell to 14.63% in September 2026, from 15.39% in August and 20.98% in September 2025, the fourth monthly decline in a row this year, Punch and Nairametrics reported. Food inflation was 19.59% year on year, and food prices fell by 1.55% between August and September. But core inflation, which leaves out farm produce and energy, rose by 1.11% in the month, a sign that many everyday costs are still climbing.

In plain terms: slower inflation means prices are rising less quickly than before, not that they are falling back to earlier levels. Online, many people responded to the First Lady's remarks by comparing what they now pay for food, transport, fuel and rent with prices before the reforms began in 2023, while supporters pointed to the easing inflation figures.

Pidgin: First Lady Remi Tinubu talk for Enugu rally say the hard time wey reforms bring don finish, say prosperity don dey come. NBS figures show say inflation don slow small to 14.63% for September, but prices still dey go up, just no be as fast as before. Food price still high pass last year.

How this affects you: For most households, a fall in the inflation rate means prices are going up more slowly, not that your shopping bill will get smaller. Keep tracking what you actually pay for staples such as rice, garri, beans and cooking gas, and compare prices between markets. The next official inflation figures, for October, are due from the NBS in mid-November. If you are offered an 'empowerment' grant or item, be wary of anyone asking you to pay a fee or share your bank PIN to receive it.