President Bola Tinubu, in his Independence Day address to Nigerians, reflected on the nation’s 65-year journey since freedom from colonial rule in 1960, praising the sacrifices of the founding fathers and highlighting reforms his administration has undertaken to reset the economy.
The President acknowledged Nigeria’s challenges—ranging from civil war and military rule to economic crises—but stressed that the country had survived every storm and continued to make progress in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and national unity.
Tinubu said his administration chose reform over complacency, scrapping fuel subsidies and unifying foreign exchange rates to redirect resources into education, healthcare, security, agriculture, and infrastructure. According to him, these decisions, though painful, are now yielding results: GDP growth has reached 4.23%, inflation has dropped to its lowest in three years, reserves have grown to $42 billion, and Nigeria now records consistent trade surpluses.
He highlighted 12 key economic milestones achieved in two years, including record non-oil revenue, stabilisation of the Naira, growth in manufacturing and mining, expansion in rail and road projects, and an unprecedented boom in the stock market.
On security, Tinubu commended the armed forces for successes against terrorism and banditry, noting that peace has returned to many liberated communities. He also reassured young people of his administration’s commitment to education loans, job opportunities, and creative enterprise funding.
While admitting that Nigerians still face hardship from inflation and high living costs, Tinubu insisted that the sacrifices are laying a stronger foundation for the future. He urged citizens to embrace productivity, patronise local goods, pay taxes, and join hands in building the nation.
“Yesterday’s pains are giving way to relief,” Tinubu declared. “With Almighty God on our side, the dawn of a new, prosperous, self-reliant Nigeria is here. Happy 65th Independence Anniversary.”
