Nigeria marked its 65th Independence Anniversary on Wednesday with a message of optimism from President Bola Tinubu, who reassured citizens that the sacrifices of the past two years are beginning to yield results. In a nationwide broadcast, Tinubu declared that the country has “turned the corner” and is now on the path of economic recovery, stability, and renewed progress.
Sacrifices Bearing Fruit
Addressing the nation, Tinubu recalled that he inherited what he described as a “near-collapsed economy” when he assumed office on May 29, 2023. He explained that Nigeria had faced decades of fiscal distortions and misaligned policies that stifled real growth. Confronted with the choice between preserving the status quo or embracing bold reforms, his administration opted for what he called the “path of tomorrow over the comfort of today.”
“Less than three years later, the seeds of those difficult but necessary decisions are bearing fruit,” Tinubu said, stressing that the worst phase of the reforms was now behind the nation. He commended Nigerians for their patience, resilience, and support, saying their sacrifices had laid the foundation for a stronger economy.
Reforms and Economic Turnaround
The President listed a series of economic measures his government had taken since 2023, including the removal of fuel subsidies and the elimination of multiple exchange rates. According to him, these reforms redirected resources away from corruption and rent-seeking, making more funds available for investment in education, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure, and social protection.
Among the key achievements highlighted were:
- GDP Growth: Nigeria’s economy grew by 4.23% in the second quarter of 2025, the fastest pace in four years, surpassing the International Monetary Fund’s projection of 3.4%.
- Declining Inflation: Inflation fell to 20.12% in August 2025, the lowest in three years, driven by increased agricultural production and food security efforts.
- Revenue Mobilisation: Non-oil revenue hit a record N20 trillion by August, while September alone saw N3.65 trillion generated — a 411% increase compared to May 2023.
- Debt Sustainability: The debt service-to-revenue ratio has dropped below 50%, from nearly 97% when Tinubu assumed office.
- Foreign Reserves: Reserves now stand at $42.03 billion, the highest since 2019.
- Trade Balance: Nigeria has recorded trade surpluses for five consecutive quarters, with non-oil exports rising by 173% and now contributing nearly half of total exports.
Tinubu noted that the Naira had stabilised following foreign exchange reforms, narrowing the gap between the official and unofficial market rates. He also pointed to stronger investor confidence, improved credit ratings, and a booming stock market, which has more than doubled since May 2023.
Energy, Infrastructure, and Industrial Growth
The President highlighted progress in the energy sector, noting that oil production had rebounded to 1.68 million barrels per day due to better security and fresh investments in the Niger Delta. He also announced that Nigeria had refined petrol domestically for the first time in four decades and had become Africa’s leading exporter of aviation fuel.
Coal mining, he added, had recovered from steep decline to post 57.5% growth in Q2, making the solid mineral sector one of the country’s fastest-growing industries. Meanwhile, transport infrastructure was expanding, with progress reported on the Kano-Kastina-Maradi and Kaduna-Kano rail projects, the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, and the Sokoto-Badagry Highway. The Federal Executive Council also approved $3 billion to complete the Eastern Rail Project.
“Our administration is setting things right. Yesterday’s pains are giving way to relief,” Tinubu said. “I salute your endurance, support, and understanding. I will continue to justify the confidence you reposed in me.”
Social Programmes and Youth Empowerment
The President said his administration had disbursed N330 billion to 8 million poor and vulnerable households through social investment programmes. He also highlighted initiatives targeting young Nigerians, such as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which has supported more than 500,000 students with nearly N100 billion in loans.
In addition, the Credicorp scheme has provided affordable credit to over 153,000 Nigerians for housing, solar energy, and digital devices, while YouthCred is offering consumer credit to National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members.
“Youth are our greatest assets,” Tinubu told the nation. “I urge you to continue to dream big, innovate, and conquer new territories in science, technology, sports, arts, and the creative sector.”
Security and National Cohesion
On security, Tinubu paid tribute to the sacrifices of the armed forces and security agencies, saying they were winning the war against terrorism, banditry, and violent crime. He reported progress in restoring peace to communities in the North-East and North-West, noting that thousands of displaced people had returned home.
He assured Nigerians that his government would continue to support the military in stamping out threats from Boko Haram in the North-East, IPOB/ESN in the South-East, and bandits in the North-West.
Honouring Nigeria’s Founding Fathers
Marking the significance of the Independence Day celebration, the President paid glowing tributes to Nigeria’s founding fathers and nationalist leaders such as Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo, Ahmadu Bello, Tafawa Balewa, Margaret Ekpo, and Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti. He said their sacrifices had laid the foundation for Nigeria’s destiny as the largest black nation and a leader of the African continent.
“Our country has experienced both the good and bad times in its 65 years of nationhood, but we have not strayed too far from the dreams of our forebearers,” Tinubu said.
A Call to Hope and Action
Acknowledging the continued burden of high living costs and inflation, the President admitted that reforms had come with temporary pains but stressed that the alternative — economic collapse — was unacceptable.
“The accurate measure of our success will not be limited to economic statistics alone, but in the food on our families’ tables, the electricity in our homes, and the security in our communities,” Tinubu stated. “On this 65th anniversary of our independence, my message is hope and a call to action.”
He urged citizens, state governments, and local authorities to work together to build on the gains of reform, stressing that only collective productivity, innovation, and enterprise could guarantee sustainable progress.
Conclusion
As Nigeria celebrates 65 years of independence, President Tinubu’s message reflects both optimism and determination. While challenges remain — from inflationary pressures to security concerns — his government insists that the nation is finally on the road to economic recovery and long-term stability.
By highlighting progress in revenue generation, trade diversification, infrastructure, social welfare, and national security, Tinubu sought to reassure citizens that their sacrifices have not been in vain. The next phase, he said, will be to transform these macroeconomic gains into tangible improvements in the daily lives of Nigerians.
