By Ayomide Otitoju
President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday addressed the nation during Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary, emphasizing that his administration’s reforms are yielding tangible results for Nigerians.
Marking the milestone since October 1, 1960, Tinubu reflected on the sacrifices of Nigeria’s founding fathers and their vision for a strong, united, and prosperous nation that leads Africa. He acknowledged past challenges, including civil conflict, military rule, and political crises, while highlighting Nigeria’s resilience and progress in social, economic, and infrastructural development.
“Although we have not achieved all the lofty dreams of our forebearers, we have made tremendous progress in economic growth, social cohesion, and physical development,” Tinubu said, noting expansions in education, healthcare, and tertiary institutions. From 120 secondary schools in 1960, Nigeria now has over 23,000, while universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education have increased significantly.
The President reiterated that his administration inherited an economy weakened by fiscal distortions but chose a path of bold reforms. Measures taken include the removal of fuel subsidies, elimination of multiple foreign exchange rates, and investment in critical sectors such as education, healthcare, national security, agriculture, and infrastructure.
Tinubu highlighted key economic achievements:
GDP Growth: 4.23% in Q2 2025, surpassing IMF projections.
Inflation: Declined to 20.12% in August 2025, the lowest in three years.
Non-oil Revenue: Exceeded N20 trillion in 2025, hitting targets months early.
Debt and Fiscal Health: Debt service-to-revenue ratio reduced from 97% to below 50%; repayment of “Ways and Means” advances.
Foreign Reserves: Increased to $42.03 billion, highest since 2019.
Trade Surplus: Five consecutive quarters, with non-oil exports now 48% of total exports.
Oil Production: Rebounded to 1.68 million barrels per day; domestic PMS refining resumed for the first time in four decades.
Currency Stabilization: Naira volatility reduced, multiple exchange rates eliminated.
Social Investment: N330 billion disbursed to eight million households.
He also highlighted progress in transport, energy, mining, and solid minerals, as well as youth-focused initiatives such as NELFUND, Credicorp, YouthCred, and the Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) programme, aimed at supporting education, entrepreneurship, and technology-driven growth.
On national security, Tinubu praised the armed forces and other security agencies for curbing insurgency, banditry, and other violent crimes, noting the restoration of peace in several liberated communities.
“The accurate measure of our success will not be limited to economic statistics alone, but rather in the food on our families’ tables, the quality of education our children receive, the electricity in our homes, and the security in our communities,” he said.
The President called on Nigerians to contribute to nation-building, urging citizens to embrace productivity, innovation, and enterprise. He encouraged the farming of local land, establishment of processing factories, patronage of Made-in-Nigeria goods, and payment of taxes, underlining the “Nigeria First” ethos.
“On this 65th Anniversary of our Independence, my message is hope and a call to action. Let us be a nation of producers, not just consumers. I say Nigeria first,” Tinubu concluded.
