By Peter Ogege
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday reassured Nigerians that the country had “turned the corner” towards economic recovery and national stability, even as he acknowledged the pains caused by ongoing reforms.
In a national broadcast to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, Tinubu said the difficult decisions taken by his administration since assuming office in May 2023 were beginning to yield results across key sectors, from the economy and infrastructure to security and youth empowerment.
Opening his speech, the President paid glowing tributes to Nigeria’s independence heroes, including Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Sir Ahmadu Bello, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Herbert Macaulay, Margaret Ekpo, and Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti. He said their vision of a prosperous and united Nigeria remained the guiding light for his administration.
“Though the promise of independence has been tested by social, economic, and political challenges, we have survived and made tremendous progress in 65 years,” Tinubu stated.
Tinubu highlighted his administration’s economic reforms—particularly the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of foreign exchange rates—as pivotal to rescuing Nigeria from “a near-collapsed economy.”
He disclosed that Nigeria’s GDP grew by 4.23% in the second quarter of 2025, outpacing IMF projections, while inflation dropped to 20.12% in August 2025, the lowest in three years.
Listing what he described as 12 economic milestones, Tinubu pointed to a record surge in non-oil revenue (₦20 trillion by August 2025), improved foreign reserves at $42.03 billion, and a trade surplus that has lasted five consecutive quarters.
He added that oil production had rebounded to 1.68 million barrels per day, with Nigeria refining petrol domestically “for the first time in four decades.”
“The worst is over. Yesterday’s pains are giving way to relief,” he told Nigerians.
Social Investment and Infrastructure
The President said ₦330 billion had been disbursed to eight million poor households under the government’s social investment programmes. He also reported progress on major transport projects, including the Kano-Katsina-Maradi rail, the Kaduna-Kano line, and the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.
On credit schemes, he noted that Credicorp loans worth ₦30 billion had been granted to over 153,000 Nigerians, while YouthCred was supporting NYSC members with consumer loans. The NELFUND student loan scheme, he said, had reached 510,000 students across 228 tertiary institutions.
Turning to security, Tinubu praised the armed forces for “winning the war” against terrorism, banditry, and other violent crimes. He said hundreds of communities in the North-East and North-West had been liberated, with displaced persons returning home.
“We must continue to celebrate their gallantry and salute their courage on behalf of a grateful nation,” he said.
The President reassured Nigerian youths of his administration’s commitment to job creation, innovation, and entrepreneurship. He cited the Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) programme, backed by international partners, as a platform to empower young Nigerians in technology and the arts.
“You are the future and the greatest assets of this blessed country. You must continue to dream big, innovate, and conquer more territories,” Tinubu urged.
While admitting that the cost of living crisis remained a concern, Tinubu stressed that the alternative of economic collapse had been avoided. He called on Nigerians to support nation-building by farming, producing, paying taxes, and patronising Made-in-Nigeria goods.
“With Almighty God on our side, the dawn of a new, prosperous, self-reliant Nigeria is here,” he declared.
The President closed his address with a message of unity and faith: “Happy 65th Independence Anniversary, and may God continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
