President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Sunday assured Nigerians that the country has “turned the corner” after decades of economic challenges, as he delivered a national broadcast marking the 65th Independence Anniversary of Nigeria.
Speaking from the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Tinubu highlighted the achievements of his administration’s tough reforms, stressing that the sacrifices Nigerians have endured in the past two years are beginning to yield tangible results.
“Our economy is recovering fast, and the reforms we started over two years ago are delivering results,” he declared. “The worst is over. Yesterday’s pains are giving way to relief.”
Tinubu cited a 4.23 percent GDP growth in the second quarter of 2025, the fastest in four years, with inflation falling to 20.12 percent in August—the lowest in three years. He also pointed to record non-oil revenues, now above N20 trillion for 2025, a trade surplus of ₦7.46 trillion, stabilisation of the Naira, and a rebound in oil production to 1.68 million barrels per day.
He credited these gains to the removal of fuel subsidies, the unification of exchange rates, and targeted investments in infrastructure, agriculture, education, and healthcare. “We chose the path of tomorrow over the comfort of today,” Tinubu said, adding that freed-up resources are now flowing to social programmes and critical development projects.
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The President further highlighted progress in transport infrastructure, the domestic refining of petrol for the first time in four decades, and Nigeria’s rise as Africa’s top aviation fuel exporter. On security, Tinubu praised the armed forces for “winning the war” against Boko Haram, IPOB/ESN, banditry and kidnapping, noting that peace has returned to hundreds of communities in the North-East and North-West.
Addressing Nigeria’s youth, Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to empowering them through education loans, credit schemes, and digital enterprise programmes such as NELFUND, Credicorp, YouthCred, and iDICE. “You are the future and the greatest assets of this blessed country,” he said.
Tinubu acknowledged the pain caused by inflation and high living costs, but insisted the alternative would have been national bankruptcy. “Our macro-economic progress has proven that our sacrifices have not been in vain,” he assured, pledging that Nigerians would soon feel improvements in food availability, electricity, security, and quality education.
He called on citizens and state governments to embrace productivity, innovation, and the “Nigeria first” philosophy, urging more reliance on local production and tax compliance. “Let us be a nation of producers, not just consumers,” he said.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s journey since Independence in 1960, Tinubu paid tribute to founding fathers such as Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo, Ahmadu Bello, Tafawa Balewa, and Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, saying their vision of a strong and united Nigeria remains intact.
Ending on a hopeful note, the President declared: “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.”