President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured Nigerians that the nation’s toughest economic phase is behind it, declaring that “the worst is over” as he delivered a national broadcast to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary on Wednesday.
In a nationwide address from the Presidential Villa, Abuja, the President reflected on Nigeria’s journey since 1960, praising the resilience of citizens and the sacrifices of the country’s founding fathers. He said Nigeria had survived turbulent times — from civil war to dictatorship and emerged stronger through unity and determination.
“This is the third time I address you as President on our independence anniversary. Like our founding fathers, I remain committed to the unfinished task of nation-building,” Tinubu said.
He highlighted major economic reforms undertaken since his assumption of office in May 2023, including the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of exchange rates, which he said were necessary to “reset Nigeria for sustainable growth.”
According to him, the results of those bold reforms are now visible, with the economy growing by 4.23% in the second quarter of 2025 Nigeria’s fastest pace in four years while inflation declined to 20.12%, the lowest level in three years.
“We have finally turned the corner,” the President declared. “Yesterday’s pains are giving way to relief.”
Tinubu listed a dozen economic milestones, including a record increase in non-oil revenue, a 44.3% rise in trade surplus, and the expansion of tax-to-GDP ratio to 13.5%. He also announced that Nigeria’s external reserves had climbed to $42 billion the highest since 2019 while oil production rebounded to 1.68 million barrels per day.
He noted that over N330 billion had been disbursed to eight million vulnerable households under the social investment programme, while sectors like transport and solid minerals recorded double-digit growth. “Our reforms are delivering tangible results,” he said.
On security, the President commended the armed forces for their “gallantry and sacrifice,” stating that terrorism, banditry, and other violent crimes were being steadily defeated. “Peace has returned to hundreds of our liberated communities,” he affirmed.
Addressing Nigerian youth, Tinubu described them as the nation’s greatest asset and urged them to “dream big and innovate.” He said student loan initiatives, consumer credit schemes, and the iDICE digital programme were empowering young people across all states.
The President acknowledged the temporary hardships caused by economic reforms but maintained that the alternative would have been “economic chaos and bankruptcy.”
READ ALSO: NIMC DENOUNCES ALLEGATIONS OF DATA COMPROMISE
“The accurate measure of our success,” he said, “will be in the food on our tables, the quality of education, and the security in our communities.”
In closing, Tinubu called for unity and productivity among all citizens and tiers of government. “Let us be a nation of producers, not just consumers. Let us patronise Made-in-Nigeria goods. The dawn of a new, prosperous, self-reliant Nigeria is here,” he declared.
He ended his broadcast with a message of optimism and prayer: “Happy 65th Independence Anniversary, and may God continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
No Comments