President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Wednesday, delivered a national broadcast to commemorate Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, assuring citizens that the country has “turned the corner” and is on the path to lasting economic stability, security, and prosperity.
In his third Independence Day address since assuming office in May 2023, Tinubu paid tribute to Nigeria’s founding fathers, including Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Sir Ahmadu Bello, Herbert Macaulay, and other nationalist leaders. He said their vision of a strong, prosperous, and united Nigeria remains the guiding light for his administration.
“While we may not have achieved all the lofty dreams of our forebearers, we have made tremendous progress in economic growth, social cohesion, and physical development,” Tinubu said.
Economic Reforms Bearing Fruit
The President highlighted major gains from his administration’s tough economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies and unification of exchange rates, which he said have redirected resources to education, healthcare, agriculture, and infrastructure.
According to Tinubu, Nigeria’s GDP grew by 4.23% in Q2 2025, the fastest in four years, surpassing IMF projections. Inflation fell to 20.12% in August, the lowest in three years, while external reserves climbed to $42.03 billion, the highest since 2019.
He listed 12 key economic milestones achieved in the past two years, including record non-oil revenue of over ₦20 trillion, a sharp drop in the debt service-to-revenue ratio, consistent trade surpluses, oil production recovery to 1.68 million barrels per day, and a stabilised naira.
“Yesterday’s pains are giving way to relief. I salute your endurance, support, and understanding,” Tinubu declared. “The worst is over.”
Security Gains
On security, Tinubu praised the armed forces for their “blood and sweat” in fighting terrorism, banditry, and violent crimes. He said Boko Haram insurgency in the North-East, separatist violence in the South-East, and banditry in the North-West were being rolled back, with many displaced Nigerians returning home.
Youth Empowerment
The President reassured young Nigerians of his administration’s commitment to their future, pointing to initiatives such as:
- NELFUND student loans, with over 510,000 beneficiaries and nearly ₦100 billion disbursed.
- Credicorp loans worth ₦30 billion for housing, solar energy, and digital devices.
- YouthCred, providing NYSC members with affordable consumer credit.
- The iDICE programme, backed by international partners, to support digital and creative industries.
“You are the future and the greatest assets of this blessed country. Dream big, innovate, and conquer new frontiers,” he urged Nigerian youth.
Call for Unity and Productivity
Acknowledging the pains of reforms, Tinubu urged Nigerians to remain hopeful, stressing that the true measure of progress will be seen in improved living standards.
“The accurate measure of our success will not be limited to economic statistics alone, but in the food on our families’ tables, the education of our children, the electricity in our homes, and the security in our communities,” he said.
He called for patriotism and productivity, urging citizens to embrace local manufacturing and patronise Made-in-Nigeria goods.
“Let us be a nation of producers, not just consumers. Let us farm our land, build factories, and pay our taxes. I say Nigeria first,” the President charged.
A Message of Hope
Tinubu concluded with a message of optimism, declaring:
“With Almighty God on our side, I can assure you that the dawn of a new, prosperous, self-reliant Nigeria is here. Happy 65th Independence Anniversary, and may God continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
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