President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured Nigerians that the country has turned the corner from decades of economic turbulence, declaring that the “worst is over” as the nation marked its 65th Independence anniversary on Wednesday.
In a national broadcast, Tinubu reflected on Nigeria’s journey since 1960, paying tribute to the country’s founding fathers including Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo, Ahmadu Bello, and Margaret Ekpo, whose sacrifices laid the groundwork for independence. He reminded citizens that despite civil war, military dictatorships, and political instability, Nigeria had weathered storms with resilience and grit.
The president highlighted sweeping reforms undertaken since his administration assumed office in May 2023, including the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of multiple foreign exchange rates. According to him, these tough choices, though painful, have begun yielding results. “Yesterday’s pains are giving way to relief. Our GDP grew by 4.23% in the second quarter of 2025, inflation dropped to 20.12%, and our non-oil revenues have crossed the N20 trillion mark,” Tinubu said.
He listed 12 economic milestones, from increased oil production and trade surpluses to stabilisation of the naira and a record rise in Nigeria’s stock market. The president also announced progress in infrastructure projects, including major highways and rail lines, while noting upgrades in coal mining, manufacturing, and solid minerals. “We are now diversifying our economy beyond oil and gas,” he added.
On national security, Tinubu praised the armed forces for “winning the war” against terrorism, banditry, and separatist violence, noting that peace had returned to several previously troubled communities. He also addressed Nigerian youths directly, unveiling support initiatives such as NELFUND student loans, YouthCred for NYSC members, and the upcoming iDICE programme to boost digital and creative enterprises.
While acknowledging that Nigerians are still grappling with inflation and high living costs, Tinubu said his administration is determined to channel the gains of reforms into food security, electricity, healthcare, and education. He called on citizens to embrace productivity, innovation, and patronage of Made-in-Nigeria goods. “Let us be a nation of producers, not just consumers. Let us believe, once more, in the boundless potential of our great nation,” the president urged.
Closing on a note of optimism, Tinubu declared: “With Almighty God on our side, I can assure you that the dawn of a new, prosperous, self-reliant Nigeria is here.”
