Veteran Nollywood actor Jide Kosoko has defended President Bola Tinubu's administration, saying the government is working to address Nigeria's problems and should be given more time to deliver on its promises.

Kosoko made the remarks during an appearance on Talk To B, a podcast hosted by actress Biola Adebayo, where he discussed the country's economic challenges, the removal of the petrol subsidy and the federal government's student loan programme.

The actor argued that many of the problems facing Nigeria predated Tinubu's administration, blaming previous governments for failing to address issues that have contributed to the country's current difficulties.

“If they had met these challenges, we might not have so many problems on the ground, which Bola Ahmed Tinubu is now fixing,” Kosoko said.

He also questioned complaints about hunger, asking Nigerians what they ate and how they earned a living before Tinubu became president in May 2023.

“Before Tinubu came, what were they doing? What were they eating?” he asked.

Kosoko acknowledged that Nigeria still had problems but argued that the situation was not as bad as some critics portrayed it. He maintained that the government was working to address the challenges inherited from previous administrations.

The actor also defended the removal of the petrol subsidy, arguing that previous governments should have taken the decision earlier rather than leaving the problem for subsequent administrations.

The subsidy was removed by Tinubu during his inauguration on May 29, 2023. The decision reduced the federal government's direct spending on subsidising petrol but contributed to higher fuel costs, with increases in transport fares and the cost of moving goods adding to household expenses.

Kosoko also cited the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) as an example of government support, pointing to the student loan scheme as a way to help students meet their educational expenses.

The programme provides eligible students with loans for institutional fees and upkeep, although beneficiaries are required to repay the loans under the scheme's terms.

His comments come as Nigeria records economic growth alongside continued pressure on household budgets. The World Bank's October 2026 Nigeria Development Update reported that the country's economy grew by 4.2 per cent in the first half of the year, while warning that the gains must translate into improved living standards.

Food prices and other living expenses remain major concerns for many Nigerians, despite a slowdown in the rate of inflation.

Kosoko urged Nigerians to give Tinubu and his team more time, arguing that the administration should be allowed to complete its work.

He also called on Nigerians to re-elect the president in the 2027 general election, expressing confidence in his leadership.

“Let's allow the man to finish his job. He's doing well,” he said.

Kosoko has been identified in previous reports as a supporter of Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).