President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday addressed Nigerians in a nationwide broadcast to commemorate the country’s 65th Independence anniversary, reflecting on the nation’s journey since October 1, 1960, and outlining his administration’s progress, challenges, and vision for the future.
In his speech, Tinubu paid tribute to Nigeria’s founding fathers and nationalists, recalling their sacrifices and vision for a united, prosperous, and globally respected nation. He acknowledged the trials Nigeria has faced—civil war, military rule, and political crises—but stressed that the country has endured with resilience and courage.
Speaking on his reforms, Tinubu said his administration inherited a “near-collapsed economy” in 2023 but chose bold changes over the status quo. He cited the removal of fuel subsidies, foreign exchange reforms, and fiscal restructuring as tough but necessary steps that have begun to yield results.
According to him, the economy is showing signs of recovery: GDP growth hit 4.23% in the second quarter of 2025, inflation has fallen to its lowest in three years, foreign reserves have risen to $42 billion, and non-oil exports now account for nearly half of Nigeria’s trade. He highlighted a record N20 trillion in non-oil revenue this year and a drop in the debt service-to-revenue ratio from 97% to below 50%.
Tinubu further announced progress in infrastructure, including rail projects, road construction, port upgrades, and domestic refining of petroleum products for the first time in four decades. He added that Nigeria has become the continent’s leading exporter of aviation fuel and achieved a sustained trade surplus.
On security, Tinubu praised the sacrifices of the armed forces, stating that Boko Haram, IPOB/ESN, bandits, and kidnappers are being defeated across different regions. He said peace has returned to hundreds of communities, with displaced citizens returning home.
The president devoted part of his speech to youth empowerment, stressing that the future of Nigeria rests on its young population. He highlighted student loans through NELFUND, affordable credit initiatives like Credicorp and YouthCred, and the forthcoming iDICE programme to support young innovators in technology and the creative industry.
Tinubu admitted that reforms have brought hardship through inflation and rising living costs but reassured Nigerians that “the worst is over” and the sacrifices are laying a new foundation for a more stable and prosperous economy.
Concluding his address, he urged citizens to embrace productivity, innovation, and patriotism by farming, manufacturing, patronising made-in-Nigeria products, and paying taxes.
“With Almighty God on our side, I can assure you that the dawn of a new, prosperous, self-reliant Nigeria is here,” he declared, wishing Nigerians a happy 65th Independence anniversary.
