President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured Nigerians that the country is on the path to recovery as his administration’s reforms begin to show tangible results.
In his nationwide broadcast to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary on Wednesday, Tinubu reflected on the nation’s journey since 1960 and acknowledged both the progress and challenges of the past six decades.
Tinubu said Nigeria had recorded remarkable achievements in education, healthcare, infrastructure, manufacturing, and technology since independence. He recalled that while the country started with only two tertiary institutions in 1960, there are now hundreds of universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education nationwide.
The President also paid tribute to Nigeria’s founding fathers and heroines, noting that their vision of a united and prosperous country continues to guide national development.
The president admitted that his government inherited a struggling economy but chose “the path of reform” by removing fuel subsidies and unifying foreign exchange rates. He said these tough choices have redirected funds into critical sectors such as education, healthcare, security, agriculture, and infrastructure.
“We are racing against time,” he said. “We must build the roads, schools, and hospitals our people need. We cannot delay investments in electricity, ports, and transport any longer.”
He assured citizens that the worst of the economic pains was over, pointing to a GDP growth of 4.23% in the second quarter of 2025, declining inflation, and improved revenue generation.
Tinubu also highlighted 12 economic achievements under his administration, including:
. Non-oil revenue surpassing targets with over ₦20 trillion realised by August 2025.
. External reserves rising to $42.03 billion, the highest since 2019.
. Debt service-to-revenue ratio cut from 97% to below 50%.
. Trade surpluses recorded for five consecutive quarters.
. Oil production increasing to 1.68 million barrels per day.
. Stabilisation of the naira following foreign exchange reforms.
. Expansion of transport projects, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and major rail lines.
He added that global rating agencies have upgraded Nigeria’s outlook, while the stock market reached historic highs.
On security, Tinubu praised the sacrifices of Nigeria’s armed forces, saying they have made significant gains against terrorism, banditry and separatist violence, restoring peace to several communities.
To empower young people, he cited initiatives such as the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), student loan schemes, consumer credit for NYSC members, and the iDICE programme for digital and creative entrepreneurs.
“You are the future of this country. Our policies will continue to give you wings to fly,” he told Nigerian youths.
Tinubu acknowledged the hardships many Nigerians face due to rising living costs but insisted that the long-term benefits of reform outweigh short-term pain.
“The true measure of success will be the food on our tables, the quality of our children’s education, the electricity in our homes, and the safety of our communities,” he said.
He called on Nigerians to embrace productivity, innovation, and patriotism, urging citizens to support “Made-in-Nigeria” goods and pay their taxes.
“On this 65th Independence Anniversary, my message is hope and a call to action. With Almighty God on our side, a new, prosperous, self-reliant Nigeria is here,” Tinubu declared.
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