President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on Wednesday, delivered a nationwide broadcast to commemorate Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, assuring citizens that the nation is emerging stronger from the pains of reform and entering a new era of economic stability, security, and renewed hope.
In his address, the President paid glowing tribute to the sacrifices of the country’s founding fathers and nationalists, including Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Sir Ahmadu Bello, Margaret Ekpo, Anthony Enahoro, and others, who envisioned a united and prosperous Nigeria that would serve as a beacon for Africa and the black race.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s journey since Independence in 1960, President Tinubu acknowledged the turbulent phases of civil war, military rule, and political crises, but noted that the resilience of Nigerians has sustained the nation.
“We have weathered every storm with courage and uncommon determination,” he said, adding that despite difficulties, the nation continues to strive towards “a more perfect union.”
President Tinubu devoted a significant portion of his speech to highlighting the achievements of his administration’s economic reforms, initiated after his assumption of office in May 2023.
He declared that Nigeria has “turned the corner,” citing key indicators:
GDP Growth: The economy expanded by 4.23% in the second quarter of 2025, the strongest pace in four years.
Inflation: Declined to 20.12% in August, the lowest in three years.
Revenue Mobilisation: Non-oil revenue exceeded N20 trillion by August 2025, with N3.65 trillion raised in September alone.
Fiscal Stability: Debt service-to-revenue ratio fell from 97% to below 50%, while “Ways and Means” advances were settled.
External Reserves: Rose to $42.03 billion, the highest since 2019.
Trade Surplus: Maintained for five consecutive quarters, with non-oil exports accounting for 48 per cent of exports.
Oil Production: Increased to 1.68 million barrels per day, alongside domestic refining of petroleum products for the first time in four decades.
Capital Markets: Stock market reached a historic 142,000 points in September 2025.
“These reforms demanded sacrifice, but yesterday’s pains are already giving way to relief,” the President said, assuring Nigerians that resources saved from fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange reforms are now being channelled into education, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, and social investment programmes.
On national security, President Tinubu praised the sacrifices of the Armed Forces and other security agencies, noting their progress in combating terrorism, banditry, and separatist violence. He reported that peace has been restored to several communities in the North-East and North-West, enabling thousands of displaced citizens to return to their homes.
The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to empowering young Nigerians, citing initiatives such as the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which has provided nearly N100 billion to more than 500,000 students; the Credicorp scheme, through which 153,000 Nigerians accessed affordable loans; and the YouthCred programme, extending consumer credit to National Youth Service Corps members.
He further noted the imminent rollout of the Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) programme, aimed at nurturing talent in the technology and creative sectors, in partnership with international development institutions.
While acknowledging persistent challenges of inflation and the rising cost of living, President Tinubu maintained that his government’s course was the only viable path to long-term prosperity.
“The accurate measure of our success will not be limited to statistics, but in the food on our tables, the quality of education for our children, the electricity in our homes, and the security in our communities,” he declared.
He urged Nigerians to embrace productivity, innovation, and patriotism: “Let us be a nation of producers, not merely consumers. Let us farm our land, build our factories, and patronise Made-in-Nigeria goods. I say Nigeria first.”
President Tinubu concluded his Independence Day broadcast with a message of optimism and unity:
“With Almighty God on our side, I assure you that the dawn of a new, prosperous, and self-reliant Nigeria is here. Happy 65th Independence Anniversary, and may God continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
