President Bola Tinubu
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared that Nigeria has entered a new phase of economic growth and shared prosperity, saying the difficult reforms carried out by his administration have laid the foundation for a stronger future.
Tinubu made the declaration on Thursday in his Independence Day address to Nigerians as the country marked its 66th anniversary of independence.
The President said Nigeria’s journey since independence had been marked by challenges, including insecurity, economic crises, political instability and periods of uncertainty, but noted that the resilience of Nigerians had kept the country moving forward.
He praised farmers, traders, teachers, entrepreneurs and members of the Armed Forces for their contributions to sustaining the nation through difficult times.
According to him, independence was not only about having a flag and national identity, but about building a country where citizens can enjoy opportunity, dignity and a better quality of life.
Tinubu said his administration inherited an economy facing serious challenges in 2023, stressing that urgent decisions were required to address longstanding problems.
Using a medical analogy, the President compared Nigeria’s economic situation to a patient battling cancer, saying previous governments chose temporary solutions instead of confronting the root causes of the crisis.
“For too long, Nigeria’s leaders chose morphine while praying for a miracle that never came,” Tinubu said.
He added that his administration decided to “excise the cancer” through reforms, despite the difficulties and pains experienced by Nigerians.
“The reforms that followed were difficult. The side effects were real. Yet, we must never confuse the medicine with the disease,” the President stated.
Tinubu argued that the economic challenges facing Nigerians were not created by the reforms introduced under his administration but were the result of years of accumulated structural problems.
He said Nigeria’s economy had shown signs of recovery, noting improvements in economic growth, foreign reserves, foreign exchange stability and non-oil exports.
“Our economy has grown by over 4 per cent this year. Both oil and non-oil sectors have contributed to the renewed period of stable growth,” he said.
The President also said oil theft had reduced, inflation had declined from its peak, and Nigeria recorded its highest non-oil export revenue in 2025, exceeding $6 billion.
Tinubu said the focus of his government had now shifted from economic stabilisation to creating widespread prosperity for Nigerians.
“When I speak of prosperity, I do not speak merely of a larger economy, abstract numbers or better statistics. I mean something much more personal,” he said.
He explained that his vision was a Nigeria where farmers can produce safely, businesses can access reliable electricity, young people can secure jobs, and families can afford food, transportation, education and healthcare.
The President said his administration would continue to prioritise reducing the cost of living by lowering the cost of production and transportation.
He highlighted investments in agriculture, including mechanised farming, irrigation, improved access to seeds and fertiliser, storage facilities and transportation networks.
Tinubu said the government was also working to expand industrial growth by using gas to power industries, supporting businesses, improving digital connectivity and providing Nigerians with relevant skills for the modern economy.
“I want to see more Nigerians making things. I want to see more Nigerian farms feeding our cities and supplying our factories. I want to see Nigerian businesses selling Nigerian goods to the whole world,” he said.
The President acknowledged that many Nigerians were still facing economic difficulties, including challenges with food, education, healthcare and daily expenses.
He said the struggles of citizens did not begin with the current reforms but were linked to decades of low productivity, poor infrastructure and limited opportunities.
“We cannot erase in four years what accumulated over generations. But we can change its course,” Tinubu said.
He said his administration would continue to strengthen social support programmes, including direct assistance to vulnerable households, the National Social Register, student loans through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund and consumer credit initiatives.
Tinubu said the government’s aim was not only to manage poverty but to eliminate it by creating opportunities and encouraging productive activities.
“Our objective is not to manage poverty more efficiently. We will defeat it,” he declared.
The President urged Nigerians to remain hopeful and united, saying the country had overcome a difficult period and was now positioned for greater opportunities.
“Nigeria has corrected its course. We have passed through our own Red Sea. This is not the time to look back. Let us go forward together, with faith in ourselves, faith in our country, and faith that the sacrifices we have made will yield their reward,” Tinubu said.
He concluded by assuring Nigerians that the future remained bright, promising a nation where prosperity would be shared and every child would have the opportunity to achieve their dreams.
“Happy Independence Day, my fellow Nigerians. God bless you all, and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the President said.
