President Bola Tinubu, in his nationwide broadcast to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary on Wednesday, reassured citizens that the country’s darkest economic days are behind it, while hope for a more prosperous and self-reliant future continues to rise.
Tinubu, who came into office in May 2023, said his administration had chosen “the path of tomorrow over the comfort of today,” stressing that reforms once seen as painful are now producing tangible results.
“I am pleased to report that we have finally turned the corner. The worst is over. Yesterday’s pains are giving way to relief. I salute your endurance, support, and understanding,” the President declared.
Key Takeaways from Tinubu’s Independence Address
1. Tribute to Resilience and Progress
Tinubu praised Nigerians for their resilience through civil war, military rule, and political turbulence. He described the 65th anniversary as a moment of reflection on the sacrifices of the nation’s founding fathers and the progress made since 1960.
2. Education & Healthcare Growth
From two universities in 1960, Nigeria now boasts 274 universities, 183 polytechnics, and 236 colleges of education by 2024. Tinubu emphasized that reforms are redirecting resources into education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
3. Bold Economic Reforms Paying Off
The President defended tough decisions such as removing fuel subsidies and unifying foreign exchange rates, noting that these steps ended decades of distortions and corruption.
He said:
GDP grew 4.23% in Q2 2025, the fastest in 4 years.
Inflation fell to 20.12%, the lowest in 3 years.
Non-oil revenue increased significantly.
Foreign reserves rose to $42.03bn.
Trade surpluses have been recorded for five straight quarters.
4. Security Achievements
Tinubu affirmed that Nigeria is winning the fight against terrorism, banditry, and violent crimes, with displaced persons returning home and communities regaining peace.
5. Youth Empowerment
He highlighted initiatives like the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (benefiting over 500,000 students), Credicorp, YouthCred, and the $600m iDICE programme to boost the digital and creative economy.
6. Infrastructure Push
Major projects such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the Eastern Rail Project, and upgrades in airports and seaports are underway.
7. Food Security Priority
The President pledged to strengthen agricultural production and ensure affordable food for Nigerians.
“Nigeria First” – Tinubu’s Call to Action
Acknowledging the hardships from reforms, Tinubu urged citizens to stay patient, unite, and embrace productivity.
“Let us be a nation of producers, not just consumers. Let us farm our land, build our factories, and patronise Made-in-Nigeria goods. With God on our side, the dawn of a new, prosperous, self-reliant Nigeria is here,” he concluded.
