President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured Nigerians that the country has turned the corner and is firmly on the path to economic recovery, peace, and prosperity.
In his national broadcast to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary on Wednesday, Tinubu paid tribute to the nation’s founding fathers and saluted the sacrifices of security personnel, insisting that “the worst is over” for Africa’s most populous nation.
The President acknowledged the difficult reforms his administration has undertaken since May 2023, including the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of foreign exchange rates. While conceding that the policies came with temporary hardship, Tinubu said they were necessary to rescue the economy from collapse.
“Yesterday’s pains are giving way to relief,” he declared. “Our economy is recovering fast, and the reforms we started over two years ago are delivering tangible results.”
Economic Milestones
Tinubu highlighted 12 key achievements of his administration, among them:
- A record-breaking increase in non-oil revenue, exceeding ₦20 trillion by August 2025.
- Reduction of debt-service-to-revenue ratio from 97% to below 50%.
- External reserves rising to $42.03 billion, the highest since 2019.
- Trade surplus for five consecutive quarters, driven by a surge in non-oil exports.
- Stabilisation of the naira following foreign exchange reforms.
- GDP growth of 4.23% in Q2 2025, Nigeria’s fastest in four years.
- Inflation easing to 20.12% in August, the lowest in three years.
“These numbers show we are moving in the right direction,” Tinubu said, stressing that the ultimate goal is to translate macroeconomic progress into improved living conditions for citizens.
Security Gains
On national security, the President said Nigeria’s armed forces are “winning the war against terrorism, banditry and other violent crimes.”
He credited the military with restoring peace to communities across the North-East and North-West, enabling thousands of displaced people to return to their homes.
“We must continue to celebrate their gallantry and salute their courage on behalf of a grateful nation,” he said.
Youth Empowerment
Tinubu also addressed young Nigerians, calling them the nation’s “greatest assets.” He cited government-backed initiatives such as NELFUND, YouthCred, and the iDICE programme, which are providing student loans, consumer credit, and start-up funding in technology and the creative industries.
“Our administration will continue to give you wings to fly sky-high,” he promised.
A Message of Hope
While acknowledging that inflation and high living costs remain a concern, Tinubu urged Nigerians to embrace productivity and innovation.
“The true measure of our success will be in the food on our families’ tables, the quality of education our children receive, and the electricity in our homes,” he said.
The President ended his address with a call for unity and patriotism. “Let us be a nation of producers, not just consumers. Let us patronise Made-in-Nigeria goods. Nigeria first,” he declared.
“Happy 65th Independence Anniversary, and may God continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
