President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Wenesday October 1, 2025 , addressed Nigerians in a national broadcast to mark the country’s 65th Independence Anniversary, assuring citizens that his administration’s tough economic reforms are yielding results and laying the foundation for a stronger, more prosperous nation.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s journey since 1960, the President paid tribute to the nation’s founding fathers and acknowledged the sacrifices of generations past in building a united and resilient country. He noted that while Nigeria has faced civil war, dictatorship, and political crises, it has also recorded remarkable progress in education, healthcare, infrastructure, manufacturing, technology, and security.
Tinubu, in his third Independence Day broadcast since assuming office, said his administration inherited a near-collapsed economy but chose the path of bold reforms over business as usual. He highlighted the removal of fuel subsidy, foreign exchange unification, debt reduction, and improved non-oil revenue as key steps that have stabilized the economy. According to him, GDP growth rose to 4.23% in the second quarter of 2025, inflation declined to its lowest level in three years, and Nigeria achieved a trade surplus for five consecutive quarters.
The President listed 12 economic milestones in the last two years, including record-breaking non-oil revenue, stronger external reserves, increased oil production, improved credit ratings, and expanded social investment programmes that have supported millions of households. He also praised the armed forces for their sacrifices in restoring peace to many communities affected by terrorism, banditry, and separatist violence.
Addressing Nigerian youths, Tinubu reaffirmed his government’s commitment to supporting innovation, education, and enterprise through programmes such as student loans under NELFUND, affordable credit facilities, and the iDICE initiative to drive growth in the creative and technology sectors.
While admitting that the reforms have brought temporary pains through inflation and a rising cost of living, Tinubu said the nation had avoided “economic chaos or bankruptcy” and is now on a recovery path. He urged citizens to embrace productivity, innovation, and patronage of locally made goods.
“My message is one of hope and a call to action,” Tinubu declared. “The dawn of a new, prosperous, self-reliant Nigeria is here. With Almighty God on our side, better days lie ahead.”
