President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday marked Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary with a call for unity, resilience, and productivity, declaring that the nation is “racing against time” to secure its future.
In a nationwide broadcast, Tinubu said his administration’s tough reforms — including the removal of fuel subsidies and unification of exchange rates — have stabilised the economy and redirected funds to critical sectors such as education, healthcare, agriculture, and infrastructure. “We must build the roads we need, construct schools for our children, and ensure hospitals can care for our people,” he said.
The president reported notable progress: GDP growth of 4.23% in Q2 2025, the fastest in four years; inflation down to 20.12%, the lowest in three years; record non-oil revenue of over ₦20 trillion; external reserves rising to $42.03 billion; and Nigeria recording trade surpluses for five consecutive quarters. Oil production has also recovered to 1.68 million barrels per day, while the naira has stabilised after years of volatility.
Tinubu outlined 12 key economic milestones, including reduced debt service ratios, a stronger stock market, improved credit ratings, and new investments in railways, highways, and seaports. He also highlighted the government’s disbursement of ₦330 billion to eight million vulnerable households and the expansion of student loans, consumer credit, and digital innovation programmes.
On security, Tinubu praised the armed forces for their sacrifices in the fight against terrorism, banditry, and separatist violence, noting that peace has returned to several communities in the North-East and North-West.
The president urged Nigerian youths to dream big and embrace innovation, pledging continued government support through education loans, creative enterprise funding, and digital economy initiatives.
Acknowledging the hardships caused by reforms, Tinubu assured citizens that the “worst is over” and promised that sacrifices would translate into tangible improvements in living standards. “The true measure of our success will be in food on our tables, quality education, electricity in our homes, and safety in our communities,” he said.
He closed with a message of hope and a call to action: “Let us be a nation of producers, not just consumers. Let us believe, once more, in the boundless potential of our great nation.”
